Digital Interventions for Promoting Skin Self-Examination Behaviors of Melanoma Survivors: A Systematic Review.
Leilei Li, Hui Qu, Chaohong Fu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed digital interventions intended to improve skin self-examination (SSE) among melanoma survivors. The authors searched four databases for studies published from January 1, 2000, to June 11, 2024, and included 12 articles. Interventions included web-based programs, mobile applications, videos, and interactive multimedia. Ten studies reported SSE rates; compared with control groups, increases in SSE rates ranged from 26.2% to 78.9%. The review concluded that digital interventions can improve SSE rates, frequency, and the number of body areas examined.
Key findings
- Across studies with control groups, increases in SSE rates ranged from 26.2% to 78.9%.
- In reported studies, 90% of participants performed SSE at least 2 times per month, examining an average of 5.14 areas.
- Reported mirror use ranged from 67% to 88%.
Why it matters
Regular, thorough SSE is described as an important strategy for reducing mortality among melanoma survivors, yet fewer than a quarter participate. The review suggests digital approaches may help address this gap by supporting more frequent and broader self-examination, although the reported outcomes concern SSE practices rather than mortality.
What to keep in mind
The review included 12 articles, and reported outcomes varied across studies; the abstract does not provide pooled effect estimates or follow-up durations.