Awareness of skin cancer by kidney transplant patients

Background: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring after kidne y transplantation. Objective: Our purpose was to identify the skin problems of kidney transpla nt recipients, the extent of their awareness of skin cancer, and interest i n skin cancer screenings. Methods: One hundred twenty-two patients were administered an oral question naire during regular follow-up at a renal transplant clinic. Results: The average time from transplantation was 3.1 years. Thirty-nine p ercent of patients reported skin problems, including warts, fungal infectio n, and skin cancer. Forty-one percent of patients were unable to recall spe cific skin cancer education, and 52% expressed an interest in skin cancer s creening. Twenty-seven percent of patients had seen a dermatologist since t heir transplant, but only 14% were followed up regularly by a dermatologist . Conclusion: We believe the need for continuing skin cancer education and ea rly detection and treatment of skin lesions establishes an important role f or the dermatologist on the transplant recipient's health care team.