scholarly journals Facebook Intervention for Young-Onset Melanoma Patients and Their Family Members: Pilot and Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot J Coups ◽  
Sharon L Manne ◽  
Sherry L Pagoto ◽  
Kevin R Criswell ◽  
James S Goydos

BACKGROUND Despite their elevated melanoma risk, young-onset melanoma patients and their families exhibit low rates of engagement in skin cancer surveillance and sun protection behaviors. Interventions that improve skin cancer surveillance (total cutaneous exam [TCE] and skin self-exam [SSE]) and prevention (sun protection) practices among young-onset patients and their family members would likely have an impact on skin cancer morbidity and mortality; however, such interventions are lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to examine the development, feasibility, and preliminary impact of a family-focused Facebook intervention to increase engagement in TCE, SSE, and sun protection among young-onset melanoma patients and their families. METHODS In this study, 48 young-onset melanoma patients and their 40 family members completed measures of knowledge; beliefs; and TCE, SSE, and sun protection intentions before and 1 month after participating in 1 of 5 separate “secret” (ie, private) Facebook groups. The intervention content consisted of daily postings about skin cancer, skin cancer risk factors, TCE, SSE, and sun protection. RESULTS Patient and family member participation rates differed by recruitment setting, with acceptance rates ranging from 24.6% to 39.0% among families recruited from a cancer center setting and from 12.7% to 61.5% among families recruited from a state registry. Among the 5 consecutive groups conducted, engagement, as measured by comments and likes in response to postings, increased across the groups. In addition, participants positively evaluated the intervention content and approach. Preliminary analyses indicated increases in TCE, SSE, and sun protection intentions. CONCLUSIONS Our family-focused Facebook intervention showed promise as a potentially feasible and efficacious method to increase sun protection and skin cancer surveillance among individuals at increased risk for melanoma.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S598-S599
Author(s):  
T L PARIGI ◽  
G Roda PhD ◽  
M Allocca ◽  
F Furfaro ◽  
L Loy ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of malignancies in IBD patients and the impact of cancer screening according to the ECCO guidelines in a tertiary referral centre. Methods We retrospectively analysed the electronic database of all IBD patients followed by the IBD Centre of Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, from January 2010 to October 2019, and collected all new diagnoses of solid and haematological tumours since 2010. The annual standardised incidence rate (SIR), rate of mortality and early cancer diagnosis were calculated and a descriptive analysis of drug exposure, disease duration, family history of any cancer, smoking habits was made. Results We included 5239 patients, with a total 19820 patient-years follow-up. Eighty-four malignancies in 81 patients were retrieved, 71 were included in the final analysis (38 CD, 32 UC, 31 females). Average age at tumour diagnosis was 52.9 years (range 19–78). 64% of patients were former or active smokers, 31% had a family history of cancer or IBD. Sixty-two per cent of patients were previously exposed or had 5-ASA at the time of cancer, 40% azathioprine, 43% anti-TNF or vedolizumab. The annual SIR for all kinds of malignancy was 0.358%. GI malignancies were the most frequent (n = 17, 23.9%, 47% UC, 53% in CD). Six over 8 GI tract malignancies in UC patients were found in the colon or rectum (mean disease duration 22.5 years), whereas in CD patients 5/9 were in the small-bowel (mean disease duration 7.0 years). Melanoma and breast cancer (n = 8 each) were the most common non-GI cancers, followed by prostate (n = 7) and bladder (n = 6). No significant difference in incidence was found between CD or UC. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas and leukaemia (3 and 1, respectively) only occurred in CD patients. Other tumours included thyroid (n = 5), lungs (n = 4), testicle (n = 3), ovary (n = 2), kidney (n = 2), head-nose-throat (n = 2), pancreas (n = 1), brain (n = 1), and non-melanoma skin cancer (n = 1). Death occurred in 11% of patients, 8 of them for late stage cancer. Only 2 were related to the concomitant IBD (1 colo-rectal and 1 anal cancer). In patients regularly screened according to the ECCO Guidelines (GI cancer, haematological and skin cancer), there was a significantly higher number of detection of early cancer (28 vs. 1, p = 0.003), although no differences in mortality rates were reported in the two groups (2 vs. 2, p = 0.10). Conclusion The overall incidence of cancer in our cohort was not different from the current literature available. Adherence to the ECCO Guidelines for cancer surveillance improves the detection of early cancer in IBD patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9061-9061
Author(s):  
Susan M. Swetter ◽  
Arianna Aldridge Gerry ◽  
Kelly Bugos ◽  
Ralph Steven Greco ◽  
Katherine L. McGurk ◽  
...  

9061 Background: Little is known about melanoma survivors and their long-term symptoms, sun protection practices and support needs from health professionals. Methods: Melanoma survivors previously treated at Stanford Cancer Center completed a quality improvement survey to explore the value of a melanoma survivorship clinic, as part of the Stanford Cancer Survivorship Program. The survey period ranged from July 2012 to September 2012, and 17% of the 893 invited survivors responded. We compared responses of melanoma survivors diagnosed between 2006-2011 (short-term) and 1995-2005 (long-term). Results: 153 cancer survivors (41% short- and 59% long-term) completed the survey. On average, they were 62 years of age (SD=15.1), 94% Caucasian, 47% female, and 68% underwent local excision alone. Long- vs. short-term survivors were less likely to receive routine skin screening every 3-6 months (38% vs. 83%, p<0.001) or follow-up for their melanoma in the last 6 months (54% vs. 76% p=0.045). Sun protection practices were similar between groups; however, long-term survivors decreased their use of tanning beds (33% vs. 18%, p=0.03) and time seeking a tan relative to short-term survivors (72% vs. 48%, p=0.002). Overall, survivors rated anxiety as the most prevalent symptom (33%), followed by numbness of the scar site (31%), forgetfulness (26%), sleep problems and depression (23%), pain and fatigue (17%). Sixty-eight percent of all survivors reported their symptoms were not addressed by their health provider, and of those stating their provider addressed their symptoms (32%), the survivor initiated the conversation 71% of the time. In general, survivors desired education about the long-term effects of melanoma (41%), family risk of skin cancer (28%), and protecting their skin from further damage (20%). Twenty percent of all survivors requested treatment for the long term effects of melanoma, and 12% wanted emotional support. Conclusions: Melanoma survivors experience continuing symptoms long after treatment, namely anxiety, and express a need for information about long-term melanoma effects, psychosocial support, and prevention of further skin cancer. Clinicians should routinely assess survivorship needs to improve quality of life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. e3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot J Coups ◽  
Sharon L Manne ◽  
Sherry L Pagoto ◽  
Kevin R Criswell ◽  
James S Goydos

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 5274-5274
Author(s):  
Justin M Watts ◽  
Ashwin Kishtagari ◽  
Sean Devlin ◽  
Eytan M Stein ◽  
Jae H Park ◽  
...  

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B-cell malignancies have been associated with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). However, an analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data from 1973-2007 found that hairy cell leukemia (HCL), while associated with an increased second cancer risk overall, was not associated with melanoma. In addition, the incidence of NMSC in HCL patients has not been described to our knowledge. Per recent SEER data, the median age at melanoma diagnosis in the general population was 61 years with an age-adjusted incidence rate of 0.02%/year. Methods We identified 372 patients seen at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) over the past 30 years (1983-2013) with a morphologic diagnosis of HCL. Of these, we found 267 patients with ≥2 months of follow-up. We examined the medical records of these 267 patients for demographic data, treatment with purine analogs (PA), and co-occurring skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Skin cancers were considered to be “co-occurring” if they were diagnosed up to 1 year before or any time after the diagnosis of HCL. Results In this 267 patient cohort, the median age at HCL diagnosis was 52.1 years (range 19.6-86.1), and the vast majority of patients were white, non-Hispanic males [Table 1]. 225 patients (84%) were treated with a PA, either cladribine or pentostatin. Of 267 patients, 34 (12.7%) developed skin cancer: 11 (4.1%) melanoma and 25 (9.4%) NMSC [Table 2]. Twelve patients had SCC and 22 BCC. Eleven of 34 patients (32%) had >1 type of skin cancer: 9 BCC and SCC, 1 BCC and melanoma, and 1 SCC and melanoma.For the 34 patients with skin cancer, median follow-up from HCL diagnosis was 10 years (0.7-33.6), median age at HCL diagnosis was 57.5 years, and almost all patients were white, non-Hispanic males. Twenty-nine of the 34 patients (85%) received a PA. Nine patients (27%) either did not receive or were diagnosed with skin cancer before PA therapy. Eighteen patients (53%) were diagnosed with skin cancer between 1 year before and 5 years after HCL; 16 patients (47%) were diagnosed >5 years after HCL. Conclusions In 267 HCL patients with very long follow-up, we found a high incidence of all skin cancers (12.7%), melanoma (4.1%), and NMSC (9.4%). Furthermore, the risk of melanoma appears to be considerably higher in the HCL cohort than the general population (0.02%/year). Although these groups were not age, sex, or race-matched, both HCL and melanoma typically occur in white individuals, and one might expect the risk of melanoma to be lower in HCL patients if there was no association given that HCL usually presents at a younger age. Although a previous analysis of SEER data did not show an association between HCL and melanoma, many of these data were collected before PA therapy was introduced. Moreover, almost all melanoma patients in our cohort were previously treated with a PA, possibly explaining the increased risk. The pathogenesis of this apparent association is elusive, but immunosuppression induced by PA therapy in addition to inherent immunosuppression from HCL itself may be responsible. There also appears to be an increased risk of NMSC in our cohort; however, the precise incidence of NMSC in the general population is not available for comparison to our knowledge. Our findings reinforce that HCL patients should be screened aggressively for skin cancer, particularly given the risk of synchronous melanoma. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12536-e12536
Author(s):  
Rohini Rau-Murthy ◽  
Christopher Anrig ◽  
Emily Glogowski ◽  
Erin E. Salo-Mullen ◽  
Megan Harlan Fleischut ◽  
...  

e12536 Background: Lynch syndrome (LS) requires a lifelong commitment to multi-organ cancer surveillance and/or prophylactic surgery. Emotional and informational support for LS patients is not readily available. Through an LS Educational Workshop (LSEW) we assessed the need and interest in an educational and support group for LS families. Methods: LS patients identified at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) were sent LSEW invitations and a pre-workshop survey. All patients underwent prior genetic counseling. Though family members could attend, only index patients completed the surveys. All attendees were asked to complete both an evaluation of the LSEW and a needs assessment regarding implementation of a support group. Results: Invitations to 213 LS patients were mailed. Of 8 potential discussion topics, the most desired were chemoprevention and cancer screening recommendations. Thus, the 1st hour of the LSEW was a didactic session by physicians on these topics and LS research. The 2nd hour was a panel on patient experiences, family communication and Q&A. Fifty-three patients (25% of those invited) and 22 family members attended. The LSEW evaluation was completed by 26 index attendees, with 88% overall satisfied or extremely satisfied. Common requests for improvement were better division of informational and support aspects, and more Q&A. Of 23 who completed the needs assessment, 73% considered an LS support group as either somewhat or extremely useful. The group was equally divided on preference for a free-flow vs topic-focused approach; 57% felt a support group would have increased utility immediately after genetic testing. An in person venue was preferred by 87% over a virtual one, and 73% preferred every 3-6 month meetings. Respondents preferred a group inclusive of gender and cancer history. Based on this, the MSKCC Lynch Syndrome Patient Advocacy Network was created in 2012 with an in-person, every 4 month meeting facilitated by a social worker. Conclusions: Following genetic counseling, there is a continued need for informational sessions and support groups for LS patients/family members. Implementation of an in-person support group is feasible and responsive to the needs of our LS population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 410-417
Author(s):  
Roya S. Nazarian ◽  
Michael Pan ◽  
Sarah Utz ◽  
Lauren Geller

The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer has increased among children and adolescents. Studies in the pediatric population have shown low rates of sun protection with modest improvement over the past several decades. This descriptive study characterizes photo protection behaviors and knowledge, specifically among pediatric dermatology patients in order to identify gaps in knowledge and guide discussion for health providers. Adolescents ages 12 to 20 completed surveys, which evaluated use of sun protection, beliefs about tanning and skin cancer, and sources of information. Results demonstrated that only nine percent of participants reported daily, year-round use of sunscreen. The majority (71%) reported use only during the summer months or when spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Rates of indoor tanning were lower than reported in the literature, with only one percent reporting indoor tanning use. The majority of patients reported family members were the primary source of sun protection education. The authors conclude that while adolescents receiving care in the pediatric dermatology setting demonstrate sufficient knowledge about skin cancer prevention, adherence remains low. This study identified family members as the primary source of sun protection knowledge. Dermatologists should consider increased parental education to improve adolescent patient behavior.


Author(s):  
Sharon Manne ◽  
Carolyn J Heckman ◽  
Deborah Kashy ◽  
Lee Ritterband ◽  
Frances Thorndike ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Identifying the characteristics of persons who benefit more from behavioral interventions can help health care providers decide which individuals should be offered particular interventions because this is the subgroup of persons who are more likely to derive greater benefit from the intervention and refine the underlying constructs of the model guiding the intervention. Purpose This study evaluated possible demographic, medical, knowledge and attitudinal, and psychosocial variables that may moderate the impact of an online intervention, called mySmartSkin (MSS), on engagement in skin self-examination (SSE) and sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors. Methods Participants completed a baseline survey and were then randomized to the MSS condition or usual care. Follow-up surveys were completed by participants at 8-, 24-, and 48-week postrandomization. Results A greater impact of MSS on SSE was illustrated among participants with more phenotypic skin cancer risk factors and participants reporting lower baseline self-efficacy in conducting SSE. A more favorable response of MSS on sun protection behaviors was shown when initial knowledge about abnormal lesions and sun protection barriers were high. Greater use of MSS and more favorable evaluations of it were also associated with higher intervention response. Conclusions Future studies seeking to improve SSE and sun protection among melanoma survivors might benefit from focusing on survivors who report more skin cancer risk factors, lower self-efficacy in conducting SSE, less knowledge about what abnormal skin lesions look like, more perceived barriers to sun protection behaviors, and less worry about recurrence and cancer-related distress.


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