Age, Education Predict Skin Protection Following Melanoma Diagnosis

Source: Dermatology Advisor, November 2018

In individuals with a history of melanoma, patients who are male, smokers, less educated, engage in tanning, and do not self-check their skin are less likely to adequately protect their skin in order to prevent future melanomas, according to study results published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The study included participants with clinical stage IB-II melanoma (n=789). The researchers assessed primary prevention behavior at diagnosis and then every 6 months for 2 years post-diagnosis. They used multivariable logistic and Cox-regression analyses to determine correlates of behavior trajectories and the risk for subsequent primary melanomas

Of the participants, 448 were male and 341 were female. The researchers categorized sunscreen use as “stable, never-use” (26% males, 12% females), “stable, sometimes-use” (35% males, 29% females), and “increased to often-use” (39% males, 59% females).