Patient knowledge, awareness, and delay in seeking medical attention for malignant melanoma

We investigated the relationship between patient knowledge, awareness, and delay in seeking medical attention for melanoma. The study population was c omprised of 255 cases with cutaneous melanoma newly diagnosed during Januar y 15, 1987 to May 15, 1989, who were part of a population-based case contro l study. Personal interviews were conducted to obtain information on patien t's knowledge of melanoma signs and symptoms, skin awareness, delay in seek ing medical attention, and related covariates. The adjusted odds ratio for the association between skin awareness and delay was 0.30 (95% confidence i nterval 0.12-0.71). Odds ratios ranged from 0.43 to 0.81 for knowledge and delay. Awareness of skin changes was associated with a reduced Breslow dept h for stage I melanomas. Individuals who are aware of skin changes and abno rmalities appear to be less likely to delay seeking medical attention far m elanoma. Knowledge of melanoma signs and symptoms may also contribute to a decreased delay in melanoma diagnosis. J CLIN EPIDEMIOL 52;11:1111-1116, 19 99. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.