Incidence rates for skin cancers have been steadily increasing since 1973. SEER data for 1973-1997 demonstrate a 145.5% increase in incidence and a 36.4% increase in mortality for melanoma. Well-recognized risk factors for melanoma include cumulative sun exposure, age, and lack of pigmentation (i.e. white race).
Lackawanna County, in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania, is an ideal location for the identification of high-risk populations for skin cancer, and the development and implementation of education and screening programs for its prevention and early diagnosis. Its population is 98% white and 20% are over the age of 65. Senior citizens have had difficulty attending hospital-based skin cancer screening programs because of scheduling and lack of transportation.
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a nonprofit community-based organization, in collaboration with the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, identified the need for a community-based skin cancer education and screening program. Ten education and five screening programs were scheduled at senior nutrition sites throughout the county, capitalizing on the location of the sites, regular attendance by seniors, and the desire of the county to provide a service which may have been otherwise inaccessible. Follow-up surveys five months after the programs indicated that 95% of the respondents reported increased awareness of risk factors for skin cancer, and 80% reported that they were performing skin self-examinations more frequently.
This presentation will discuss the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the education and screening programs, their effectiveness and limitations, and future outreach to other vulnerable populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify risk factors for skin cancer. 2. Articulate the process for planning, implementing, and evaluating a community-based skin cancer education and screening program. 3. Identify the effectiveness of, and limitations to, community-based skin cancer education and screening programs. 4. Develop a plan for the implementation of a skin cancer education and screening program with other high-risk populations.
Keywords: Vulnerable Populations, Community Outreach
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Northeastern Regional Cancer Institute, Scranton PA
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment