Prevalence of preventive cancer screening in skin cancer survivors is greater compared to non-cancer individuals: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND

Although skin cancer survivors have an increased risk of future malignancies, many are unaware of this and may not undergo preventative screening.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate skin cancer survivors' prevalence of breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancer screening.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database from 2017 to 2021 comparing skin cancer, other cancer, and non-cancer controls. Multivariate analysis compared screening rates, controlled for socioeconomic, chronic disease, and behavioral factors.

RESULTS

Compared to non-cancer controls, skin cancer survivors had higher odds of undergoing screening for breast (odds ratios [OR]: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.51), colorectal (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.40-1.66), and cervical cancer (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12-1.56). Lung cancer screening rates were low and similar between skin cancer survivors and non-cancer individuals (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.84-1.74). In a subset analysis of skin cancer survivors, those who had melanoma were less likely to be screened for breast and colorectal cancer.

LIMITATIONS: This study is based on anonymous, national survey data, relying on patient recall of their health information.

CONCLUSION

Skin cancer survivors undergo cancer screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer at higher rates compared to non-cancer controls. Melanoma survivors have lower rates of breast and colorectal screening compared to non-melanoma skin cancer survivors. Skin cancer survivors should be reminded of preventive cancer screening, particularly for lung cancer.