Engagement in and correlates of total cutaneous exams and skin self-exams among young melanoma survivors and their family.

Abstract

Young adult melanoma survivors and their close family (first degree relatives/FDRs) are at increased risk for developing a melanoma, but little is known about engagement in and correlates of their clinical skin exam (CSE) and skin self-examination (SSE) behaviors. Five hundred and seventy-four YA survivors and their FDRs completed an online survey assessing engagement in CSE and SSE, as well as measures of background factors, cognitive and psychosocial factors, CSE and SSE planning, and family influences. Approximately 90% of YAs had a CSE and 90% performed SSE in the last year, but engagement in CSE among FDRs was lower (63.2%, CSE; 64.9%, SSE). For CSE, females, a physician recommendation, fewer barriers, and more planning were associated with CSE. Family influences were not associated with CSE. For SSE, a physician recommendation and greater self-efficacy were associated with engagement, and more comprehensive SSE was associated with a physician recommendation, lower education, greater self-efficacy, and more planning. Stronger family normative influences were associated with more comprehensive SSEs among males. Findings suggest FDRs may benefit from interventions to improve CSE and SSE and indicate that physician recommendation may be a key intervention target to foster CSE and SSE.