Factors influencing participation in cutaneous screening among individuals with a family history of melanoma.

Background: Targeting higher risk individuals, such as melanoma patients' first-degree relatives, may be more efficient than mass skin cancer screening.

Objective: Our aim was to examine prevalence and predictors of total cutaneous examination in first-degree relatives.

Methods: Ninety-five first-degree relatives completed questionnaires assessing demographic and risk characteristics, perceived risk, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and total skin examination. Fourteen months later, first-degree relatives were asked if they had obtained a total skin examination during follow-up.

Results: At baseline, 47% reported at least one total cutaneous examination and 27% had a health care provider recommendation for total skin examination. At follow-up, 37% had obtained a total skin examination. Baseline and follow-up total cutaneous examination was associated with more risk factors, higher education, provider recommendation, and greater perceived risk and severity. In multivariate analyses, provider recommendation and college education predicted follow-up total skin examination.

Limitations: Data were self reported. Knowledge, health-care access, and follow-up provider recommendation were not assessed.

Conclusion: Physicians and other providers may be influential in promoting total cutaneous examination in first-degree relatives.