Self-confidence and Embarrassment About Partner-Assisted Skin Self-examination for Melanoma

Abstract

with face and neck lesions. Fear of greeting others may be a factor as well, because personal interactions often start with a hand shake, which is important in making a good first impression. Indeed, 1 study 4 showed that a handshake preceding social interaction enhanced the positive impact of approach and diminished the negative impact of avoidance behavior on the evaluation of social interaction. Individuals with vitiligo of the hands may find that others avoid shaking their hand because of the contrast between normal and depigmented skin, contributing to a lower QOL.Although this study was performed in only 1 center, our results suggest that hand involvement with vitiligo is associated with a significant negative effect on quality of life. Unfortunately, hands are one of the most difficult areas to treat. Similar studies should be performed in other parts of the world. If confirmed, research should focus on hand involvement in patients with vitiligo as one of the most important sites for which effective treatments should be developed.

Association of Marital Status With T Stage at Presentation and Management of Early-Stage Melanoma

“…A randomized clinical trial of partner-assisted structured skin examination found that patients and partners who underwent structured skin examination training identified more new melanomas than patients without the instruction and were comfortable in their ability to do so. 26,27 This study may support confirmation of these prospective results using population-level data. Physicians with increased awareness of reduced adherence with SLNB in unmarried patients may also emphasize the importance of having a friend or family member attend visits when SLNB is discussed.…”

“…For married patients, encouragement of partners to be present at clinic appointments and undergo basic training for performing a skin examination could perhaps further increase early detection of primary lesions. A randomized clinical trial of partner-assisted structured skin examination found that patients and partners who underwent structured skin examination training identified more new melanomas than patients without the instruction and were comfortable in their ability to do so . This study may support confirmation of these prospective results using population-level data.…”

Remote skin self‐examination training of melanoma survivors and their skin check partners: A randomized trial and comparison with in‐person training

“…The previous literature provided the measures. 7,15,16 Patients and partners completed all surveys. Patient responses were used in this analysis because the past high concordance between patient and partner for SSE frequency and extent and knowledge was affirmed in 25 randomly selected responses from patients and partners at each survey.…”

“…Similarly, the color was normal if 1 or 2 colors were uniformly distributed over the surface of the mole (score of 1), and abnormal if many colors (brown, black, blue, pink, white, and gray) with nonuniform color distribution (score 3). Last, the diameter was measured across the widest part of the mole and given a score of 1 if it measured 1 to 4 mm, score 2 for 5 mm, and score 3 for 6 mm or more 14,15 . To assist the pairs in making management decisions, they were told to monitor features scored as 2 (not sure) for change (evolution) at the next monthly SSE, and if change was noticed then pairs were told to notify the study dermatologist, who would evaluate the mole within 2 weeks.…”

“…The previous literature provided the measures 7,15,16 . Patients and partners completed all surveys.…”