Diagnosing melanoma at an early stage, when it may be treated with less invasive, risky, and expensive methods than advanced stage melanoma, is achieved through visual examination of the skin. Although dermatologists receive extensive training in melanoma detection, many areas of Texas have no dermatologists. In areas without dermatologists, primary care providers (PCPs) can help diagnose melanomas at early stages, but most PCPs do not receive enough training to feel comfortable diagnosing skin cancers. We have organized our proposed project, Geospatial Approaches to Melanoma Early Detection – the GAMED project, into two parts. In the first part we research where late-stage melanomas have...
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Diagnosing melanoma at an early stage, when it may be treated with less invasive, risky, and expensive methods than advanced stage melanoma, is achieved through visual examination of the skin. Although dermatologists receive extensive training in melanoma detection, many areas of Texas have no dermatologists. In areas without dermatologists, primary care providers (PCPs) can help diagnose melanomas at early stages, but most PCPs do not receive enough training to feel comfortable diagnosing skin cancers. We have organized our proposed project, Geospatial Approaches to Melanoma Early Detection – the GAMED project, into two parts. In the first part we research where late-stage melanomas have been diagnosed in Texas in the past by using information from the Texas Cancer Registry. We can use those historical patterns to create models that predict which areas may have the most late-stage melanomas in the future. We will also try to understand why some patients are diagnosed with melanomas at late, instead of early, stages. In the second part we will find PCPs in high melanoma burden areas who are interested in learning about skin cancer. We will work together to help them learn about melanoma detection and start performing skin examinations. We will check to make sure the educational program works well with their practice demands and we will measure what they learn. We will also collect information that will help us better plan our next projects. As researchers, we want to make sure all Texans have access to high quality melanoma diagnostic care, even in areas without dermatologists. By better understanding which areas of our state have the greatest melanoma burden, and which patients are most likely to be diagnosed with late-stage melanoma, we can use data to help tailor our approach. This project aligns with CPRIT’s long-term vision to decrease the burden of cancer in Texas and focus on disparities in access to cancer care.
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