Identifying Patients At Risk for Melanoma in an Aesthetic Practice

Abstract

In the United States, melanoma skin cancer deaths are expected to rise by 4.4% in 2023, reaching 7990. Early detection through visual screening can save lives, but the US Preventive Services Task Force cites insufficient evidence to recommend universal skin screening for all adults. For this reason, the risk for melanoma may be overlooked outside of dermatology settings, leading to delayed diagnoses and poor survival rates. Our project aimed to address this issue by increasing the identification of at-risk individuals visiting a medical aesthetic practice in the Midwest. The literature regarding melanoma risk stratification outside of dermatology settings is deficient. A search yielding 336 articles produced 8 articles for review. Five suggested melanoma risk screenings in general practice are feasible and/or can lead to early detection. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, we executed our project from February through April 2023. Patients visiting the medical aesthetic practice completed a Self-Assessment Melanoma Risk Score questionnaire. We assessed the completed questionnaires and offered visual cancer screenings or dermatology referrals to patients identified as at-risk. A total of 211 patients participated, and 26% (n = 55) were identified as at-risk. This intervention improved the quality of care by identifying patients at risk for melanoma. Future steps include adapting the Self-Assessment of Melanoma Risk Score questionnaire to a new electronic medical record system, incorporating the questionnaire as part of the initial intake and annual patient documentation, and improving patient education and follow-up.