Controlling malignant melanoma. A focus on pediatricians
R. H. Brodkin and E. M. Altman
Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark 07103.
There is evidence that the mortality rate associated with malignant
melanoma can be decreased by early identification of the risk factors for
melanoma and precursor lesions and by reducing sun exposure in young
patients at higher risk. Many of the risk factors for malignant melanoma
are seen in the pediatric age group. To determine pediatricians' awareness
of risk factors for melanoma and their ability to recognize the precursors
of melanoma, we studied three departments of pediatrics--at an urban and a
suburban medical center and a medical college. Ninety-six members of the
audience, which included full-time faculty, practicing pediatricians, and
pediatrics residents, responded to questionnaires before and after a
presentation on the risk factors for melanoma. Based on the results of the
questionnaires, this group of pediatricians believed that they were not
sufficiently knowledgeable about the risk factors for melanoma and did not
routinely examine their patients for these risk factors or counsel them on
proper sunlight protection. These findings indicate a need for making
pediatricians aware of the risk factors for melanoma and of the critical
role they play in decreasing the incidence and mortality rate associated
with this disease.
