Work

Prevalence and correlates of clinical skin checks for skin cancer among Australians

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Australia, early detection of melanoma relies on opportunistic skin checks, yet information on skin check behaviours in the general population is limited. We aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of clinical skin checks in a large Australian cohort. METHODS: The 45 and Up Study recruited 267,357 New South Wales residents between 2005 and 2009. We assessed self-reported clinical skin checks in the previous 12 months among 43,799 participants who responded to the 2020 follow-up survey (52.8% response). Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between participant characteristics and skin checks, classified as whole-body, partial (part-body or specific mole/spot), and no skin check. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 70.3 years (SD 8.3, range 56-103) and 55.9% were female. The prevalence of skin checks over the past 12 months was 43.2% for whole-body, 21.0% for partial, and 35.8% for no skin check; 21.8% of participants reported more than one skin check during the year. The highest odds of having a whole-body skin check were for participants with a personal history of melanoma (aOR=3.74, 95% CI: 3.39-4.13) or non-melanoma skin cancer (aOR=4.05, 95% CI: 3.83-4.29), many moles (aOR=3.26, 95% CI: 2.79-3.80 versus no moles), and very fair, fair or olive skin (aOR ≥2.6 versus black/brown skin). Other factors significantly associated with whole-body skin checks included being male, age 70-79 years, Australia/New Zealand country of birth, university education, private health insurance, being retired, household income > $90,000, family history of melanoma, inability to tan, longer time spent outdoors, participation in other cancer screening programs, and frequent sunscreen use. There were some differences for the associations with partial skin checks. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide valuable insights into skin checking behaviours in older adults in New South Wales, Australia, highlighting associations with sociodemographic, personal risk, and behavioural factors.

Source: Cancer Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2026.103060