Patients’ views about skin self-examination after treatment for localized melanoma

Source: MDLinx, August 2019

Via a qualitative interview study among 37 patients with localized melanoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 0, I, or II), researchers investigated the views of patients with melanoma regarding skin self-examination (SSE) in general, as well as their attitudes toward using novel digital technologies to support their own SSE. Patients with melanoma were aware of the significance of thorough skin examinations. Nevertheless, a lack of confidence in their ability to undertake SSE and dependency on clinicians as the primary means of melanoma detection may stop patients from undertaking regular and thorough SSE. Patients could profit from new digital technologies that aid them in undertaking SSE, given they have relevant education and technical support.