ASSESSMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY AS AN AID TO EARLY DETECTION OF MELANOMA IN OLDER MALES BY GENERAL PRACTITIONERS [ 2000 - 2000 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Peter Hersey (Principal investigator)

Brief description Our previous studies have shown that older groups are more likely to present with advanced melanoma and that over half the deaths from melanoma occur in males over the age of 50. Early detection of melanoma in this group could therefore be expected to result in a major reduction in mortality from the disease. The reason for presentation with more advanced melanoma appears to be due to a high frequency of melanoma at hard to see sites such as the back and a form of melanoma (nodular melanoma) that is hard to recognise in its early stages. Older people also are less able to recognise changes of melanoma. Our previous studies also showed that both doctors and lay people have poor ability to recognise changes in skin lesions over time but can do so if a photographic record is available. We wish therefore to evaluate in pilot studies whether a screening service based on photographic records taken at age 50 will assist in the early detection of melanoma in this age group. A pilot study is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of recruitment procedures, acceptability to doctors and cost-effectiveness. We have made substantial progress and are requesting another years funding to complete the study and its analysis. If the project is successful it is intended to conduct a larger randomised trial in the Hunter Region to evaluate this approach to screening. Thickness of the primary melanoma and survival from melanoma will be used as the endpoints.

Funding Amount $AUD 36,110.07

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant