Full-body skin examinations: the patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVES To determine (1). primary care practitioner (PCP) and dermatologist full-body skin examination (FBSE) rates by using a patient questionnaire and (2). whether patient risk factors for skin cancer alter these rates. DESIGN Questionnaires pertaining to whether participants underwent regular FBSE, their feelings about this screening test, and their risks for developing skin cancer. SETTING The primary care and dermatology clinics at the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 356 patients awaiting clinic appointments. Of those asked to participate, 251 (71%) agreed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient report of undergoing FBSE, attitudes regarding this examination, and risk factors for cutaneous malignancy. RESULTS Thirty-two percent of all respondents reported undergoing regular FBSE by their PCP, whereas 55% of those with a history of skin cancer reported undergoing FBSE. Eight percent of participants reported embarrassment with FBSE, 83% reported that their PCP would be considered thorough by performing FBSE, and 87% would like their PCP to perform FBSE regularly. Only 2% of participants would refuse the examination if the PCP were of the opposite sex, whereas 8% would be more willing to be examined. CONCLUSIONS Although patients report a low incidence of FBSE, those with a personal history of skin cancer are more likely to be screened. A low rate of embarrassment and a high rate of perceived PCP thoroughness are associated with FBSE. Patients have a strong preference to undergo FBSE. A sex difference between the PCP and the patient should not be a barrier to this examination.