15 Dec Patients and Partners Not Embarrassed To Do Skin Cancer Examinations On Each Other
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. June Robinson
June K. Robinson, MD
Research Professor of Dermatology
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Department of Dermatology
Chicago, IL 60611
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This is a secondary finding from a randomized controlled trial of a structured skills training program for melanoma patients and their skin check partners.
The pairs learned and performed skin self-examination for the early detection of melanoma. They continued to perform skin checks for 2 years and trained pairs identified more early melanoma (melanoma in situ and Stage 1A melanoma) than controls.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Physicians have expressed concern about burdening the patient and their partner by asking them to perform skin checks. One of the concerns was possible embarrassment of the patient or partner due to the “clinical nature” of checking the skin for concerning moles.
This study demonstrated that the patients and partners who participate in this study were not embarrassed by performing the skin checks. In fact, they were comfortable doing so.
Furthermore, self-confidence in performing skin checks rose from inception to 8 months and then leveled off.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: We are currently exploring remote education of pairs.
Melanoma patients are able to identify willing partners to check hard to see locations and possible embarrassment is not a barrier to a skin a spouse or close friend to help. When asking melanoma patients to check their skin for concerning moles, physicians should engage their partners in the task. By giving permission for the partner to help, the physician may provide all the motivation that is needed.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
June K. Robinson, Brittney Hultgren, Kimberly Mallett, Rob Turrisi. Self-confidence and Embarrassment About Partner-Assisted Skin Self-examination for Melanoma. JAMA Dermatology, 2016; DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.4776
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on December 15, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD