Competency of Family Medicine Residents in Performing Skin Cancer Examination

Early recognition of skin cancer reduces associated morbidity and improves survival. Most patients with suspicious skin lesions present to family medicine physicians. We aimed to evaluate the self-reported competency of family medicine residents in performing skin cancer examination (SCE) and assess the impact of different factors on their competency. All family medicine residents completed a previously validated questionnaire aimed at evaluating their skin cancer examination competency in this cross-sectional study. In total, 250 residents participated in this study. More than half of the residents never had a rotation in dermatology or received training under the supervision of a dermatologist. Approximately 70%, 72%, and 77% of residents had not observed SCE, received SCE training, and performed SCE, respectively. Although most residents were aware of the risk factors for skin cancer and the ABCD acronym for melanoma, only one out of ten residents screened their patients for these factors, enquired about changes in skin lesions, and personally practiced SCE. Only 16% of family medicine residents consider themselves competent in performing SCE. Training under the guidance of a dermatologist, SCE training, evaluating patients for cancer risk factors and any changes in moles, and SCE practice on personal level were associated with SCE competency. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the frequency of observing SCE and competency in performing SCE. Only 16% of family medicine residents considered themselves competent in performing SCE. The frequency of observation of SCE during residency was a significant predictor of self-reported competency in performing SCE.