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Are young adults checking their skin for melanoma?
H M Douglass1, R McGee, S Williams
1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand. heidimd@bu.edu
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|September 23, 1998
Summary
Young adults in New Zealand infrequently self-screen for melanoma. Women, those with higher melanoma knowledge, and perceived risk were more likely to self-screen and seek medical advice.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Melanoma is a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults.
- Understanding self-screening behaviors is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies.
- Limited research exists on melanoma self-screening in young adult populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-screening for melanoma in young New Zealanders.
- To identify predictors of melanoma self-screening and subsequent help-seeking behavior.
- To inform targeted skin cancer prevention campaigns for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A self-report questionnaire was administered to 909 21-year-old participants.
- Data collected included self-screening frequency, mole change detection, and medical advice seeking.
- Statistical analysis identified factors associated with self-screening behavior.
Main Results:
- 53% of participants reported skin self-screening in the past year; 20% noticed a mole change.
- Only 45% of those noticing a change sought medical advice, with cost being the primary barrier.
- Women were more likely than men to self-screen, notice changes, and seek advice. Knowledge and perceived risk also predicted self-screening.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma self-screening is suboptimal in young New Zealand adults.
- Gender, melanoma knowledge, and perceived risk are key predictors of self-screening.
- Future prevention campaigns should address cost barriers and tailor messages to young adults' concerns.