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Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States (1). Although the incidence of melanoma is lower than those of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, melanoma is associated with the highest case-fatality rate of all skin cancers. In 1996, an estimated 38,300 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed, and approximately 7300 melanoma-associated deaths will occur (2). Primary and secondary prevention strategies can assist in reducing the occurrence of melanoma and deaths associated with this cancer, and information about public awareness of melanoma, including risk factors, can assist in developing intervention strategies. To assess public knowledge and awareness about melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) conducted a nationwide telephone survey in 1995. This report summarizes the survey findings, which indicate that a high proportion (42%) of respondents had no knowledge about melanoma, and the level of awareness about melanoma was lowest among persons aged 18-24 years. The AAD survey was a population-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the U.S. civilian, non-institutionalized population aged greater than or equal to 18 years. A total of 1001 persons participated in the survey (response rate=78%). Respondents were asked about their general knowledge and awareness of risk factors for melanoma. Data were weighted to calculate national estimates. Statistical analyses included calculation of odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (3). Because rates of melanoma previously have varied by race, the findings in this report are stratified, in part, by race; however, data are presented only for whites and blacks because numbers for other racial groups were too small for meaningful analysis. Respondents were asked, "Can you tell me what melanoma is?"; 55% knew melanoma is a type of cancer, 34% knew it is a type of skin cancer, and 42% did not know about melanoma. After being informed that melanoma is a specific type of skin cancer, 95% identified at least one risk factor for melanoma, including history of sun exposure (82% {95% CI=79.9%-84.7%}), family history of melanoma (67% {95% CI=64.5%-70.3%}), and severe childhood sunburn as a risk factor for developing melanoma later in life (58% {95% CI=55.4%-61.4%}). Other risk factors identified by respondents were fair skin (63% {95% CI=60.3%-66.3%}), moles (41% {95% CI=38.3%-44.3%}), red hair and blue eyes (28% {95% CI=25.0%-30.6%}), and freckles (22% {95% CI=19.1%-24.3%}). Awareness of melanoma (defined as knowledge that melanoma is a type of cancer or specifically a type of skin cancer) varied substantially by demographic factors (Table 1). Awareness generally was higher among respondents who were women, white, aged greater than or equal to 25 years, and of higher income levels. Approximately 50% of men and 35% of women reported they did not know the term melanoma. Awareness varied substantially by age group: 38% of respondents aged 25-64 years were aware that melanoma is a type of skin cancer, compared with 16% of those aged 18-24 years. Awareness also was directly related to levels of education and income. Approximately 50% of respondents who were college graduates were aware that melanoma is a type of skin cancer, compared with 16% of those with less than a high school education. Of the respondents with annual incomes less than $20,000, 60% reported they did not recognize the term melanoma; in comparison, of respondents in the highest annual income group (greater than or equal to $75,000), 31% reported they did not recognize the term. Reported by: DR Miller, ScD, AC Geller, MPH, HK Koh, MD, Dept of Dermatology, Dept of Medicine, and Dept of Cancer Prevention and Control, Boston Univ, Massachusetts. American Academy of Dermatology, Evanston, Illinois. Div of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC.
http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/PrevGuid/m0041236/m0041236.asp - 2 - |