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Awareness, Attitude, and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Patients at High Risk of Melanoma. A Cross-Sectional Study on 185 Patients

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Abstract

Melanoma is potentially curable if diagnosed at its earliest stages and treated properly. The best approaches for reducing deaths due to melanoma are primary and secondary prevention. The objective of this study is to evaluate patient awareness of the risk factors for developing melanoma and attitudes toward its prevention. Also, this study aims to assess observance of recommended preventive measures and to identify possible factors associated with a low adoption of these measures. This cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire included 185 consecutively enrolled subjects at risk of developing melanoma monitored in a pigmented lesion unit in Valencia (Spain). Level of knowledge, attitude, and observance of preventive measures were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using contingency tables, chi-squared test, and Spearman correlation. Out of those who reported practicing skin self-examination, only 24.1 % performed it in the optimal way. A better attitude was observed in low-risk patients (r = −0.28, p < 0.01). Being female (p < 0.01), aged 18–35 (p = 0.02), fair-haired (p = 0.02), having skin phototype I–II (p < 0.01), and a suitable attitude (p = 0.05) and knowledge (p < 0.01) were related to a better use of sunscreens and avoidance of sun exposure. Knowledge was inversely associated with age (p = 0.01). Despite the high level of knowledge and positive attitude, inadequate practice of compliance with recommended primary and secondary preventive measures was observed in our risk population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, c/ Profesor Beltrán Báguena, 8, 46009, Valencia, Spain

    Marta Bertolin, Celia Requena, Carlos Serra-Guillen, Beatriz Llombart, Onofre Sanmartin, Carlos Guillen & Eduardo Nagore

  2. Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    Marta Bertolin & Eduardo Nagore

  3. Department of Epidemiology, “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy

    Maria C. Cercatto

Authors
  1. Marta Bertolin
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  2. Maria C. Cercatto
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  3. Celia Requena
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  4. Carlos Serra-Guillen
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  5. Beatriz Llombart
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  6. Onofre Sanmartin
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  7. Carlos Guillen
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  8. Eduardo Nagore
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Correspondence to Eduardo Nagore.

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Bertolin, M., Cercatto, M.C., Requena, C. et al. Awareness, Attitude, and Adherence to Preventive Measures in Patients at High Risk of Melanoma. A Cross-Sectional Study on 185 Patients. J Canc Educ 30, 552–566 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-014-0766-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-014-0766-z

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