Melanoma patient self-detection: a review of efficacy of the skin self-examination and patient-directed educational efforts

Abstract

Early detection of cutaneous melanoma results in reduced morbidity and mortality. Although screening by physicians has been shown effective, the role of skin self-examination (SSE) in melanoma secondary prevention is less well studied. Various methods and educational strategies have been implemented to empower patients to perform efficacious SSEs. Patient demographics play an important role in their likelihood to examine their own skin and ability to detect melanoma. Visual aids such as total body photography and dermoscopy, which have improved physician exams, are becoming elements accessible to patients for augmentation of self-exam. This review examines the literature of SSE in melanoma detection.

Keywords::

• dermoscopy
• early detection
• melanoma
• skin self-examination
• total body photography

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• • Early detection of melanoma results in significantly lower mortality.

• • Physician screening has recently been implicated in decreasing disease-specific mortality from melanoma.

• • Skin self-examination (SSE) is a form of secondary prevention that directly involves and empowers the patients in their own care.

• • Patient demographics influences the ability and willingness to perform SSE.

• • Educational methods such as the ABCD rule combined with cognitive training may improve the accuracy of patient detection of skin cancer.

• • Total body photography may improve efficacy of SSE.

• • Digital applications have a role in patient education and SSE reminders.

• • Dermoscopy and teledermatology may prove a novel method for enhancing the SSE.