Sun protection and skin surveillance practices among relatives of patients with malignant melanoma: prevalence and predictors.

Background: Little is known about acceptance of skin cancer risk-reduction practices and attitudes among individuals with a family history of melanoma. The purpose of this study was to examine engagement in and correlates of sun protection, total cutaneous examination (TCE), and skin self-examination (SSE) among first-degree relatives (FDR) of individuals diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM).

Method: First degree relatives (N = 229) completed measures of engagement in TCE, SSE, and habitual sun protection, as well as measures of knowledge and attitudes about all three behaviors.