Knowledge, perceptions, and practices of chiropractic interns in the early detection of atypical moles

Knowledge and Protective Behaviors About Skin Cancer Among Nursing Students in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey

Skin cancer is an important health problem worldwide among cancer types and results in death at a minimum level in the case of early diagnosis. Therefore, the application of prevention programs is vital. Nurses by definition take responsibility for programs in prevention, early diagnosis, and screening for cancer. This study was conducted to determine the extent of skin cancer knowledge and protective behaviors among nursing students in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between February and May 2015. The study sample consisted of 965 nursing students. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire form. Nursing students had a moderate level of knowledge, with average scores of 24.35 ± 3.66. The knowledge levels of first-year students were lowest compared with other years. It was determined that, among nursing students, the percentage of "negative behaviors" in response to skin cancer protective behaviors was higher than for "positive behaviors." The results of this study highlight the knowledge level and skin cancer protective behaviors of nursing students. Training, seminars, and workshops that teach about risk factors, early detection, protective behaviors, and skin self-examination skills could increase the knowledge level of nursing students.

Seasonal variation in diagnosis of invasive cutaneous melanoma in Eastern England and Scotland

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, the incidence of cutaneous melanoma has been reported to be highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. Northern Irish data suggested seasonal variation for women only, especially those with thinner melanomas, sited on limbs. We interrogated two larger UK cancer registries for temporal differences in melanoma diagnosis and associated patient characteristics.

METHODS

Melanomas diagnosed from 2006 to 2010 in the Eastern England and Scottish cancer registries (n=11,611) were analysed by month of diagnosis, patient demographics and melanoma characteristics, using descriptive and multivariate modelling methods.

RESULTS

More patients with melanoma were diagnosed in the summer months (June 9.9%, July 9.7%, August 9.8%) than the winter months (December 7.2%, January 7.2%, February 7.1%) and this pattern was consistent in both regions. There was evidence that the seasonal patterns varied by sex (p=0.015), melanoma thickness (p=0.002), body site (p=0.006), and type (superficial spreading melanomas p=0.005). The seasonal variation was greatest for diagnosis of melanomas occurring on the limbs.

CONCLUSION

This study has confirmed seasonal variation in melanoma diagnosis in Eastern England and Scotland across almost all population demographics and melanoma characteristics studied, with higher numbers diagnosed in the summer months, particularly on the limbs. Seasonal patterns in skin awareness and related help-seeking are likely to be implicated. Targeted patient interventions to increase sun awareness and encourage year-long skin inspection are warranted.

Public health engagement: detection of suspicious skin lesions, screening and referral behaviour of UK based chiropractors

BACKGROUND

UK morbidity and mortality rates from skin cancer are increasing despite existing preventative strategies involving education and early detection. Manual therapists are ideally placed to support these goals as they see greater quantities of exposed patient skin more often than most other healthcare professionals. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertain the ability of manual therapists to detect, screen and refer suspicious skin lesions.

METHOD

A web-based questionnaire and quiz was used in a sample of UK chiropractic student clinicians and registered chiropractors to gather data during 2011 concerning skin screening and referral behaviors for suspicious skin lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 120 questionnaires were included. Eighty one percent of participants agreed that screening for suspicious skin lesions was part of their clinical role, with nearly all (94%) assessing their patients for lesions during examination. Over 90% of the participants reported regularly having the opportunity for skin examination; with nearly all (98%) agreeing they would refer patients with suspicious skin lesions to a medical practitioner. A third of respondents had referred a total of 80 suspicious lesions within the last 12 months with 67% warranting further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all respondents agreed that screening patients for suspicious skin lesions was part of their clinical role, with a significant number already referring patients with lesions.

Screening, early detection, education, and trends for melanoma: current status (2007-2013) and future directions: Part II. Screening, education, and future directions

New evidence has accumulated over the past several years that supports improved melanoma outcomes associated with both clinician and patient screening. Population-based and workplace studies conducted in Australia and the Unites States, respectively, have shown decreases in the incidence of thick melanoma and overall melanoma mortality, and a year-long statewide screening program in Germany has shown a nearly 50% reduction in mortality 5 years after the screening ended. Current melanoma screening guidelines in the United States are inconsistent among various organizations, and therefore rates of both physician and patient skin examinations are low. As policymaking organizations update national screening recommendations in the United States, the latest research reviewed in part II of this continuing medical education article should be considered to establish the most effective recommendations. Patient and provider education will be necessary to ensure that appropriate patients receive recommended screening.

Consensus process to develop a best-practice document on the role of chiropractic care in health promotion, disease prevention, and wellness

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this project were to develop consensus definitions for a set of best practices that doctors of chiropractic may use for promoting health and wellness and preventing disease and to describe the appropriate components and procedures for these practices.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary steering committee of 10 health care professionals developed seed statements based on their clinical experience and relevant literature. A Delphi consensus process was conducted from January to July 2011, following the RAND methodology. Consensus was reached when at least 80% of the panelists were in agreement. There were 44 Delphi panelists (36 doctors of chiropractic, 6 doctors of philosophy, 1 doctor of naturopathy, 1 registered nurse).

RESULTS

The statements developed defined the terms and practices for chiropractic care to promote health and wellness and prevent disease.

CONCLUSION

This document describes the procedures and features of wellness care that represent a reasonable approach to wellness care and disease prevention in chiropractic clinical practice. This living document provides a general framework for an evidence-based approach to chiropractic wellness care.