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Who comes to skin checks?
R McGee1, M Elwood, S Williams
1Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin.
Aim:
To examine the characteristics of persons attending skin checks carried out by the Cancer Society of New Zealand.
Methods:
Persons aged 20 years or over attending three skin checks open to the public in the Taranaki region in the summer of 1991-2 were surveyed regarding the presence of risk factors for melanoma and reasons for attending the skin check.
Results:
Overall, more women (n = 159) than men (n = 120) attended the clinics. Questionnaire results were available for 197 of those attending (110 women and 87 men). The average age of the sample was 49.4 years; 99% were from a European background. Forty percent of the sample had two or more of the following risk factors for melanoma: sun-sensitive skin, history of severe burning, red or fair hair, being treated for a skin cancer, and a family history of skin cancer. Fifty-one percent reported at least one change in a mole over the last 12 months, and 42% gave the presence of a worrying mark on their skin as a reason for coming.
Conclusion:
Those who attended the skin checks were likely to be at increased risk of skin cancer compared to the general population, and more often came because of a specific skin lesion than for a general skin check.
Insights
Individuals attending Cancer Society skin checks often had melanoma risk factors and sought checks due to concerning skin changes. This highlights a need for targeted skin cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a significant public health concern.
- Early detection through skin checks is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize individuals attending public skin checks organized by the Cancer Society of New Zealand.
- To identify risk factors for melanoma and reasons for seeking skin examinations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among adults (20+ years) attending three public skin checks in the Taranaki region during 1991-1992.
- Participants provided information on melanoma risk factors and their motivations for attending.
Main Results:
- The study included 197 participants (110 women, 87 men), with an average age of 49.4 years; 99% were of European descent.
- Forty percent had multiple melanoma risk factors (e.g., sun-sensitive skin, family history).
- Over half (51%) reported mole changes in the past year, and 42% attended due to a specific worrying skin mark.
Conclusions:
- Attendees were identified as a population at increased risk for skin cancer.
- The primary motivation for attending was the presence of a specific skin lesion rather than a general screening.