Physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health Interview Survey

Coups, Elliot J.; Xu, Baichen; Heckman, Carolyn J.; Manne, Sharon L.; Stapleton, Jerod L.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0251785

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…The CAPS participants also had a lower estimated prevalence of skin cancer screening compared to US military veterans. A cross‐sectional study using the 2015 National Health Interview Survey data for skin cancer screening by physicians among US military veterans reported that 30.8% of veterans had received screening 14 . Similar to the CAPS participants, these veterans were predominantly non‐Hispanic white (79.6%), male (91.3%), over two‐thirds (69.6%) had some college or higher education, and just over half (52.5%) perceived themselves to get sunburnt with prolonged sun exposure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and predictors of skin cancer screening among a sample of US volunteer firefighters

Shah

Steinberg

Caban‐Martinez

et al. 2023

American J Industrial Med

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BackgroundFirefighters have a higher risk of melanoma incidence and mortality compared to the general population. In the United States (US), the National Fire Protection Association recommends all firefighters receive annual skin cancer screening through visual skin examination by a clinician. However, there is limited information on skin cancer screening practices among volunteer firefighters who comprise two‐thirds of the US fire service.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study of 552 US volunteer firefighters estimated the prevalence of skin cancer screening and evaluated associations with their fire service experience, demographics, sun protection practices, and cancer risk perception.ResultsThe prevalence of receiving skin cancer screening among volunteer firefighters was 26.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.4, 29.8). The odds of being screened for skin cancer, compared to not being screened, were twice as high for firefighters who used sunscreen (odds ratio [OR]: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.73) and who perceived their skin likely to burn with prolonged sun exposure (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.00). Older age, some college education, and family history of skin cancer were also positively associated with skin cancer screening. A positive exposure‐response relationship was observed between more monthly firefighting calls and receiving screening. Cancer risk perception was not associated with screening.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first large study to assess skin cancer screening among US volunteer firefighters. Our findings suggest gaps in skin cancer prevention efforts in the volunteer fire service. Additional assessment of skin cancer prevention practices within volunteer fire departments could help address these gaps.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and predictors of skin cancer screening among a sample of US volunteer firefighters

Shah

Steinberg

Caban‐Martinez

et al. 2023

American J Industrial Med

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“…In a study of American military veterans, a group at increased risk of melanoma due to exposure to UV radiation and barriers to sun protection during military actions, where high rates of sunburns and overrepresentation of older white men were present, less than one-third (30.88%) reported ever having a skin examination by a doctor. Among respondents reporting skin examination by a doctor, 35% had a family history of skin cancer, 39% had moderate to severe sunburns, and 30% used tanning beds [30]. In comparison to the mentioned analyses, individuals with risk factors for melanoma in the surveyed group of Silesian residents were provided insu cient healthcare and received rare preventive actions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevention of Cancer - Melanoma Development and Its Diagnosis Among Silesian Voivodeship Residents - Preliminary Results

Dąbek,

Żerdka,

Brasse

2023

Preprint

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Background Melanoma is a malignant tumor with the highest growth rate in the incidence and is the leading cause of death due to skin cancers. In Poland, approximately 1500 cases of melanoma are detected annually in advanced or metastatic stages. Intensive preventive measures can contribute to its early-stage diagnosis, consequently reducing the number of fatalities. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of melanoma risk factors among the residents of Silesia region and their knowledge about the diagnosis and prevention of this cancer. Methods The study was conducted among the residents of the Silesian voivodeship. A total of 400 (100%) individuals were examined. Among them were 243 women and 157 men. The participants' ages ranged from 16 to 84 years (mean age = 34.38±18.39). An original questionnaire was used in the study, and its completion was anonymous and voluntary. The questions included in it pertained to the discussed topic as well as general data, such as age, gender, place of residence, and occupation. Results The participants were burdened with melanoma development risk factors such as fair skin complexion (236; 58.71%), having more than 50 pigmented lesions (159; 39.55%), sunburns (106; 26.37%), family history of melanoma (60; 14.93%), and tanning salon use (32; 7.96%). Over 40% (173; 43.03%) of the participants had never examined their pigmented lesions. A staggering 80% (322; 80.1%) of the respondents had never undergone dermatoscopic examination, and over 50% (214; 53.23%) did not know what this examination entailed. Just under 16% (63; 15.67%) of the participants stated that their family doctor had examined their pigmented lesions, and almost 90% (140; 88.05%) of those with numerous pigmented lesions had never been referred to a dermatologist for dermatoscopy. Conclusions The surveyed residents of the Silesian Voivodeship were burdened with numerous risk factors for melanoma development, with the most common being fair skin complexion, having more than 50 pigmented lesions, and sunburns. The knowledge of the participants regarding the diagnosis and prevention of melanoma development was insufficient, thus highlighting the necessity for conducting systematic educational initiatives in the mentioned field. These initiatives should ultimately lead to the preservation of health and life, as well as the maintenance of its high quality. Trial registration Not applicable.

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Skin Cancer Care in US Veterans—Serving Those Who Served

Chang,

Wheless,

Hartman

2024

JAMA Dermatol

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In this issue of JAMA Dermatology, Rezaei et al 1 examine the prevalence of skin conditions and sun-related behaviors among US veterans compared with nonveterans in population-based cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. The authors report increased prevalence of sunburn and significantly increased prevalence odds of being diagnosed with any skin cancer (72%) and melanoma (127%) in veterans. These findings highlight the need to investigate increased skin cancer risk in veterans and devise preventive interventions targeted to this population. Demographic Characteristics and Health Care Challenges Unique to the Veteran PopulationCompared with US nonveterans, veterans experience a worse state of health with disproportionately higher levels of multiple morbidities, including obesity, heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes. 2 Veterans face increased risk of melanoma incidence and mortality, the fourth most common cancer in this population, due to demographic and occupational risk factors. 3 The veteran population is comprised of predominantly non-Hispanic White males older than 65 years with demographic characteristics projected to remain stable over the next decade. 3,4 Veterans disproportionately live in rural settings, with decreased access to in-person health care and worse health-related quality of life. 5 In addition, unique occupational exposures from military service are associated with skin cancer risk, including dioxin-contaminated herbicides as well as UV and flight-related ionizing radiation. 4,6 Prior data suggest underuse of sunscreen and shade and lack of knowledge of skin cancer risk among active duty service members 7 ; however, Rezaei et al 1 found no differences between veterans and nonveterans in sunscreen use, staying in the shade, and wearing long sleeves. 1 This may reflect differences in behavior among military service members during active duty vs veteran status.

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Physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health Interview Survey

Cited by 7 publications

References 19 publications

Prevalence and predictors of skin cancer screening among a sample of US volunteer firefighters

Prevalence and predictors of skin cancer screening among a sample of US volunteer firefighters

Prevention of Cancer - Melanoma Development and Its Diagnosis Among Silesian Voivodeship Residents - Preliminary Results

Skin Cancer Care in US Veterans—Serving Those Who Served

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