Non-traditional melanoma prevention strategies in the young adult and adolescent population

Malignant melanoma is the most common cancer among women and men aged 25-29 [1]. Unfortunately, the incidence of melanoma far surpasses the rate of any other malignancy in this demographic. Due to the growing trends of tanning and advanced nail art, the incidence of melanoma may increase in the coming years. Less than a quarter of patients examine their own skin on a regular basis [2]. An Austrian study concluded that patients deemed physicians as the fourth most reliable source for skin health information behind print media, television, and family members [3]. With this in mind, physicians must develop non-traditional melanoma prevention strategies to increase early detection. In a society where the majority of the population uses the internet, non-traditional screening tools for melanoma recognition include implementation of an electronic health system designed for regular self-evaluation of skin and nevi surveillance. E-health tools may detect melanoma at an earlier stage, reducing overall morbidity and mortality from disease [4]. However, experts are concerned that inaccurate readings may lead patients to neglect a physician consult, which could thwart early diagnosis of treatable melanocytic lesions [4]. Other non-traditional strategies for early detection of melanoma in young women and men are also noteworthy. For example, hair stylists may aid in early detection of scalp lesions since young women and men frequently visit the same stylist. Training stylists to recognize the signs of skin cancer in the scalp may increase rates of early detection of head and neck lesions that would have otherwise been discovered in later stages due to their inconspicuous locations [5]. These locations represent 6% of all melanomas, but are responsible for 10% of all deaths from melanomas [5]. Similarly, massage therapists who see the same client on a regular basis may be able to report new neoplasms and changes in nevi on the body. Nail artists represent another demographic that can be trained to recognize nail melanoma between appointments and alert their clients of pathologic nail changes. Only 66% of patients address melanocytic changes observed in nails [6]. Women will often use nail polish, various gel techniques, and wrapping procedures to conceal nails for prolonged periods of time. Training these professionals may be an effective population-based strategy to increase rates of early stage melanoma detection. A survey of 206 hair professionals found that only 28.1% had received formal skin cancer education, but almost fifty percent of hair professionals were interested in a skin cancer education program [7]. About 37% looked at greater than Non-traditional melanoma prevention strategies in the young adult and adolescent population