Teaching Skin Self -Examination to Melanoma Patients and Their Skin Check Partners

The completed R01 demonstrated preliminary evidence for a melanoma survivor and partner skin self-examination (SSE) training program resulting in regular and accurate SSEs relative to patients and partners receiving treatment as usual care. However, one caveat is that the patients and partners in the well-controlled study are potentially being cued to conduct the SSEs following training and reinforced for their actions. Whereas in "real-world" conditions the participants would see their dermatologist less frequently with significantly less cueing to conduct SSEs.

This research addresses this limitation by examining the long-term influence of SSE training on SSE knowledge, self-efficacy, performance, and accuracy under real-world conditions for melanoma patients in the treatment group from the ongoing R01 study relative to controls (Aim 1). In addition, the continuation study will also examine for whom the intervention works best under real-world conditions (Aim 2). Findings from clinical RCTs of behavioral interventions involving patients are rarely if ever, examined to determine generalizability to real-world settings. The current proposal will contribute critical information to the scientific literature on the impact of early detection of melanomas using SSEs and will be the first to test the sustainability and long-term impact of an efficacious SSE intervention for early detection targeting melanoma survivors in real-world settings. Relationship factors to help sustain skin self-examination will also be evaluated.

The amended part of the study is an administrative supplement, which builds upon the pilot research completed during the summer of 2017 that measured the efficacy of two wearable UV sensors (Shade and Wearifi) and a survey assessing sun protection along with the quality of life. The Shade sensor provided a more reliable time-stamped assessment. With the use of the Daily Minutes of Unprotected Sun Exposure Inventory (MUSE) and the Shade sensors, the investigators assessed the sun protection behaviors of melanoma survivors and found that 13% of the melanoma survivors were surprised by their amount of UV exposure.

The investigators now wish to determine the feasibility of simultaneously obtaining wearable sensor data for physical activity (ActiGraph) and the Shade sensor and completion of self-reported surveys for the same time period. The feasibility and methodological information derived from this project are highly relevant to capture and quantify UV exposure among physically active individuals.

A total of 40 participants will be recruited for this phase (324 from initial study + 40 from amended section = 364 anticipated total).Ten participants (5 melanoma survivors and 5 young adult relatives), testing the feasibility of wearing two sensors and completing daily online surveys. After feasibility testing, the study will enroll melanoma survivors, age 18-70 years, with Stages 0-1A (n=15) and their young adult relatives (n=15) who are 18-39 years old. The sex of enrolled participants will be monitored to assure equivalent numbers of male and female participants.

Two arms were added: a) Feasibility of wearing 2 sensors, and b) Feasibility of completing online daily survey. The research team will strive to integrate event level data in real-time. At the conclusion of the study, participants receive a report of their UV exposure and physical activity over the 7 days of the study. Eligibility Criteria has also been updated for the amended portion of the study.

Distance (remote) learning will be compared with in-person learning with online surveys assessing SSE knowledge, confidence, anxiety and performance. Electronic health record review will identify biopsies of concerning moles and the number and stage of melanomas identified.

Inclusion criteria

• Personal history of Stage 0 (in situ) to IIB melanoma
• At least 6 weeks post-surgical treatment of Stage 0 (in situ) to IIB melanoma
• Age 18-70 years old
• Have sufficient vision to read a newspaper in order to visually detect changes of the skin
• Able to read English or Spanish at a sixth grade language level
• Have a skin check partner (i.e. spouse, family member, or friend) who is willing to participate in the research with the patient

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects overburdened with other co-morbid diseases (e.g. chronic immunosuppression from organ transplantation) or medical treatments (e.g. chemotherapy)
• Subjects unable to participate in a conversation at a sixth grade language level due to cognitive impairment (e.g. by a stroke)
• For newly enrolled subjects only: Prior participation in skin self-examination research

Eligibility Criteria for amended portion of the study:

Inclusion criteria

Melanoma survivors

• Ages 18-70, who are participating in the research supported by the R01
• Able to read English at a sixth-grade language level
• Willing to participate in daily online assessments
• Willingness to wear two sensors for 7 consecutive days
• Own a smartphone and able to use a mobile application
• Reliable access to the Internet
• Reliable mailing address for safe delivery and return of sensors
• Capable of walking a quarter of a mile (about 3 city blocks) with little to no difficulty

Young adult relatives of melanoma survivors

• Ages 18-39 years old
• Able to read English at a sixth-grade language level
• Willing to participate in daily online assessments
• Willing to wear two sensors for 7 consecutive days
• Own a smartphone and able to use a mobile application
• Reliable access to the Internet
• Reliable mailing address for safe delivery and return of sensors
• Capable of walking a quarter of a mile (about 3 city blocks) with little to no difficulty

Exclusion criteria

• Excluded subjects are those overburdened with other co-morbid diseases (e.g. chronic immunosuppression from organ transplantation) or medical treatments (e.g. chemotherapy).
• Subjects unable to participate in a conversation at a sixth-grade language level due to cognitive impairment (e.g. by a stroke) and have an ECOG performance status >1 will also be excluded.