Premium
Cancer risk perception predictors for total body skin examinations: a cross‐sectional study using Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017 data
Author(s) -
Merten Julie W.,
Hamadi Hanadi,
Wheeler Meghann
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/ijd.14935
Subject(s) - medicine , health information national trends survey , cross sectional study , skin cancer , national health and nutrition examination survey , logistic regression , cancer , family medicine , health care , cancer screening , environmental health , gerontology , population , pathology , health information , economics , economic growth
Background Despite the lack of national skin cancer screening recommendations, a total body skin examination by a healthcare provider may detect skin cancer earlier, allowing for more effective treatment and better outcomes. Objective Examine prevalence, demographic, and cancer risk perceptions of adults who have had a skin examination performed by a healthcare provider. Methods Retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between having a skin examination, risk perceptions, and demographic variables. Results Approximately 46% of the sample reported having a skin examination. Females, college graduates, those with a history of skin cancer, people who check their skin for signs of skin cancer, and adults over the age of 45 were more likely to have a skin examination. The people least likely to be screened were those not wanting to know their chances of getting cancer. Limitations HINTS is a cross‐sectional survey which provides only a glimpse of predictors. Conclusions The findings are consistent with other studies that people sometimes avoid cancer risk information. An educational intervention focused on the benefits of early cancer detection would benefit people who report not wanting to know their chances of getting cancer.