Melanoma Survivors: Health Behaviors, Surveillance, Psychosocial Factors, and Family Concerns

Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer, but it is also largely preventable. Due to recent advances in early detection, secondary prevention efforts, and treatment, the number of melanoma survivors continues to grow. However, little research has been conducted on melanoma survivors. Understanding recurrence and second primary cancer risk, cognitive characteristics, behaviors, surveillance patterns, economic factors, and family issues in melanoma survivors is imperative from a public health standpoint to promote the health and well-being of these individuals.

The purpose of this study is to examine the health behaviors, thoughts, and concerns of melanoma survivors. Some survivors will participate in a roundtable focus group discussion, where they will be asked how melanoma has affected their lives. Other survivors will complete a survey about their history of sun exposure, medical factors, quality of life, behaviors, demographics, physical characteristics, and financial or healthcare factors.