Thorough skin examination for the early detection of melanoma

Background: Melanoma is a major public health problem for which early detec tion may reduce mortality. Since melanoma is generally asymptomatic, this r equires skin examination. We sought to evaluate the extent to which the gen eral public has their skin examined by themselves, their partners, or healt h care providers and the frequency of these examinations. Methods: Random-digit-dial survey of adult Rhode Islanders. Results: Only 9% performed a thorough skin examination (TSE) at least once every few months, although over half of the sample reported conducting skin self-examination "deliberately and systematically." Participants were more likely to perform TSE if they were women and if their health care provider had asked them to el:amine their skin. Most participants reported that the ir health care provider never or rarely looked at the areas of their skin i n which melanoma is most likely to arise. Conclusions: The reported frequency of skin self-examination depends critic ally on the manner of inquiry. TSE by self or a partner is uncommon, and he alth care providers do not routinely examine the areas of the skin on which melanomas commonly arise.