The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) has recently released an Early Detection of Skin Cancer Information and Resources Toolkit, which brings together resources and information from HPA, Melanoma New Zealand, Cancer Society and MelNet.
According to this recent study combining human and artificial intelligence for the classification of images suspicious of skin cancer achieved a superior accuracy of 82.95% (compared to 81.59%/42.94% achieved by artificial/human intelligence alone).
This recent study claims to have developed a new vaccine to prevent the development of melanoma in immunized mice, as well as to prolong survival significantly in mice with primary and metastatic melanomas.
his study aimed to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of extending an existing melanoma-specific self-referral or ‘passive’ telephone consultation support service to an ‘active’ outreach call to offer a supportive care program tailored to the needs of the patient. It found an outreach call at an earlier stage of an advanced melanoma diagnosis is preferable.
Using pharmacists to detect people with skin cancer risk factors could be considered in multidisciplinary strategies of skin cancer screening, according to this recent study.
This recent study tested the impact of different digital technologies in eliciting an intention to use sun protection. Effects on behavioral intentions, attitudes, and trust were found for conditions with human presence, highlighting the importance of including this feature in mobile health programs.
According to this recent study, no matter how broadly UV forecast information is promoted, it is unlikely to improve sun protection behaviours across the Victorian population due to the low level of basic understanding of UV radiation. Authors suggest public education strategies that correct the commonly held misperception that temperature and/or sunshine can reliably predict the potential for UV damage are required.
This recent study aimed to describe self-reported levels of fatigue related to immunotherapy; patient perspectives of exercise behaviors; and barriers and facilitators to engagement in exercise for patients receiving, or recently completed immunotherapy for unresectable stage III and stage IV melanoma. Results indicate that patients are engaging in exercise while receiving immunotherapy, with the intent of mediating treatment-related fatigue.
This recent review analysed toxicity profiles of different agents currently used for the treatment of early and advanced melanoma. It found that new therapies are not free from the risk of causing adverse reactions, some of which must be managed promptly and appropriately; moreover the multiplicity of the metabolic pathways exposes the new target therapies to relevant potential interactions.
Through a qualitative survey of cancer patients around New Zealand, this recent study attempted to better understand why New Zealand has low clinical trials participation rates. It found many New Zealand cancer patients are interested in being involved in clinical trials, suggesting that addressing the areas of clinician and infrastructure barriers may help improve access to clinical trials in NZ.