Health Education Campaign for Melanoma

Overseen By Elizabeth Stoos

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

75000 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a health education campaign can help people in Oregon detect melanoma (a type of skin cancer) early. The campaign includes digital media strategies, online courses for healthcare providers, and lectures for high school students. By boosting awareness and teaching people to recognize early signs, the goal is to reduce melanoma deaths and detect the cancer sooner. This trial suits individuals, melanoma patients, and healthcare providers interested in melanoma awareness and education. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public health education and potentially save lives through early detection.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this educational campaign is safe?

Research has shown that educational programs, like the one being studied, are generally safe and manageable. Studies have found that these programs can enhance knowledge about skin cancer prevention and positively influence behavior without causing harm. For instance, a review of educational efforts targeting primary care providers and high school students improved their understanding and practice of skin cancer prevention techniques.

A health education campaign focused on melanoma awareness led to increased use of sun protection, such as higher SPF sunscreen, without negative effects. Additionally, media campaigns have successfully disseminated important information about melanoma, aiding early detection, which is crucial for successful treatment.

Overall, these educational efforts are safe because they focus on teaching and raising awareness, avoiding any physical procedures or risks for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it focuses on using education as a powerful tool in the fight against melanoma. Unlike traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, this approach aims to prevent melanoma by increasing awareness and knowledge through a health education campaign. The trial stands out by targeting diverse groups, including primary care providers, melanoma community volunteers, and high school students, with tailored educational materials and media strategies. This proactive method has the potential to empower individuals to recognize early signs of melanoma and adopt sun-safety practices, ultimately reducing the incidence of this serious skin cancer.

What evidence suggests that this health educational campaign is effective for increasing early detection of melanoma?

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of various educational interventions for melanoma awareness and prevention. Research has shown that teaching people about melanoma can aid in early detection. In this trial, participants will experience different educational strategies. Studies indicate that when doctors learn to check for skin cancer, they can identify it sooner, leading to better outcomes. Programs in high schools focusing on skin cancer prevention have succeeded, emphasizing the importance of early education. Media campaigns sharing information about melanoma have effectively increased public awareness and encouraged early skin checks. Overall, these methods can lead to earlier melanoma detection, which is crucial because early treatment greatly improves survival rates. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sancy A. Leachman, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is open to everyone in Oregon, including individuals interested in melanoma awareness, patients with melanoma, skin care professionals, and healthcare providers. The goal is to educate these groups on early signs of melanoma.

Inclusion Criteria

I am interested in melanoma awareness and education.

Exclusion Criteria

No one will be intentionally excluded

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Educational Campaign

Participants view digital media strategies and receive educational materials on melanoma. Surveys are completed to assess knowledge and confidence.

5 years

Ongoing digital engagement and educational sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in melanoma literacy and early detection rates, as well as cost and incidence data collection.

5 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Educational Intervention
• Health Education
• Media Campaign
• Survey Administration

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of a health education campaign aimed at increasing early detection of melanoma through educational materials, media campaigns, and surveys.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Prevention (health educational campaign) Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

MEDIA CAMPAIGN: Participants view digital media strategies. PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS AND PROFESSIONALS: Primary care providers and professionals who see skin and potential melanomas receive online based curriculum on melanoma. Participants also complete a survey to assess knowledge and confidence before and after receiving the curriculum. MELANOMA COMMUNITY REGISTRY VOLUNTEERS: Melanoma Community Registry volunteers in Oregon receive educational and training materials on melanoma. Participants also complete a survey before and after receiving educational material. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: High school students receive an educational lecture over 1 hour on sun-safety and early detection of melanoma practices. Participants also complete a survey before and after the educational lecture.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

239

Recruited

2,089,000+

Oregon Health and Science University

Collaborator

Trials

1,024

Recruited

7,420,000+

Melanoma Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

75,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The public education campaign successfully increased early self-recognition and treatment of cutaneous malignant melanoma, leading to a significant rise in the percentage of thin melanomas, which have a better prognosis.

As a result of the campaign, there was a notable decrease in the proportion of thick melanomas, which are associated with poorer outcomes, indicating improved early detection and intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experience of a public education programme on early detection of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Doherty, VR., MacKie, RM.[2019]

Melanoma is projected to be a major cancer concern in the 21st century, highlighting the need for effective health education to improve outcomes.

Regular skin self-examinations and public awareness campaigns, such as Melanoma Monday, are crucial for early detection and reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with melanoma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Skin self-examination for melanoma--another golden rule. Howell, JB.[2019]

The American Academy of Dermatology has provided free skin cancer screenings to over 600,000 Americans and has reached millions with prevention messages, highlighting a significant effort to control melanoma in the U.S.

The chapter emphasizes the need for integrated strategies in prevention, education, and screening to effectively address the rising rates of melanoma incidence and mortality globally.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Melanoma control in the United States: current status. Koh, HK., Geller, AC.[2019]

The Skinsafe multimedia intervention significantly improved melanoma knowledge among patients, with scores increasing from 3.03 in the control group to 3.71 in the intervention group after 6 months (P < 0.001).

Patients who received the Skinsafe intervention reported more protective skin behaviors and were more likely to check their moles, indicating that the program effectively encouraged proactive skin health practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a multimedia intervention "Skinsafe" on patients' knowledge and protective behaviors. Glazebrook, C., Garrud, P., Avery, A., et al.[2006]

Early detection of melanoma significantly improves patient survival rates, highlighting the importance of educating patients on recognizing abnormal skin lesions.

Patient education should encompass proper skin examination techniques, UV protection, the impact of medications on cancer risk, and dietary strategies for wellness, starting from the time of diagnosis and involving the entire healthcare team to ensure understanding and adherence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient education: recommendations regarding sunscreens, drugs, and diet. Russell, LC., Murray, J.[2019]

A skin cancer education program designed by medical students effectively increased awareness among high school students about the risks of sun exposure, particularly for all skin types, with 88% of participants planning to make actionable behavioral changes after the session.

The program successfully adapted to COVID-19 challenges and highlighted the importance of inclusive educational materials in promoting sun-safe behaviors to prevent skin cancer in youth.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating How a School-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Program Can Change Behavior Among North Carolina Highschoolers. Friday, S., Salisbury, K., Snyder, S., et al.[2023]

A study involving 150 middle school students in South Los Angeles showed that many students, particularly Latino youth, lacked knowledge about skin cancer risks and sun safety before educational intervention, but after receiving education, 94% expressed intent to use sunscreen in the future.

Post-intervention, 80% of students reported some sunscreen use, with 24% of Latino students using it daily, highlighting the effectiveness of education in improving sun safety practices, although cost remains a barrier for consistent use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dermatologic health literacy in underserved communities: a case report of south Los Angeles middle schools. Chapman, LW., Ochoa, A., Tenconi, F., et al.[2022]

Malignant melanoma is increasingly common, with a 7% annual rise in incidence, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention and detection strategies.

A new public education program targeting schools, pediatricians, nurses, and state agencies aims to educate at-risk populations about melanoma and skin cancer, potentially improving early detection and prevention efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A plan to promote the prevention and early detection of melanoma. Harris, J.[2016]

A systematic review of 25 studies involving 22,683 high school students found that educational programs on melanoma prevention significantly increased students' knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes towards sun safety and skin exams.

The review highlights the importance of using active learning strategies in educational curricula to effectively promote melanoma prevention and early detection among adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based High School Melanoma Prevention Curricula. Calco, GN., Orfaly, VE., Haag, CK., et al.[2023]

A study involving 217 patients with newly diagnosed melanoma found that watching an educational videotape significantly improved their knowledge about the disease more than a traditional clinic visit.

While the videotape was better at increasing knowledge, the clinic visit was more effective at reducing anxiety and distress levels, suggesting that both methods have unique benefits for patient education and emotional support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of a professionally produced videotape on education and anxiety/distress levels for patients with newly diagnosed melanoma: a randomized, prospective clinical trial. Orringer, JS., Fendrick, AM., Trask, PC., et al.[2015]

A survey of 100 Dutch melanoma patients revealed significant gaps in disease-specific knowledge, with many unable to accurately identify key tumor characteristics, highlighting the need for improved patient education.

The majority of patients (77%) found YouTube videos on self-inspection valuable, suggesting that e-Health resources could effectively supplement traditional information methods, alongside oral communication from healthcare providers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Melanoma patients' disease-specific knowledge, information preference, and appreciation of educational YouTube videos for self-inspection. Damude, S., Hoekstra-Weebers, JEHM., van Leeuwen, BL., et al.[2017]

Citations

1. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e52689/

A Digital Intervention to Improve Skin Self-Examination ... A web-based, fully automated intervention called mySmartSkin (MSS) that successfully improved SSE among survivors of melanoma.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9202989/

Skin Cancer Education Interventions for Primary Care ... Educational interventions aimed at skin cancer screening instruction for PCPs offer an opportunity to detect skin cancer at earlier stages and subsequent ...

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29926433/

The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on PRECEDE ... The aim of this study is to survey the effect of educational intervention based on the PRECEDE model on promoting skin cancer preventive behaviors in high ...

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13187-023-02294-9

A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based High School ... Data suggest that high school educational programs on skin cancer prevention can be successful and should incorporate evidence-based teaching ...

5. acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21788

Patient navigation across the cancer care continuum: An ... Patient navigation is effective in improving participation in cancer screening and reducing the time from screening to diagnosis and from ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8763425/

Educational Interventions to Support Primary Care Provider ... We conducted a systematic review of educational interventions designed to support skin cancer diagnostic examinations by primary care providers (PCPs).