Keywords

melanoma, family history of melanoma, risk factor, skin cancer, familial melanoma, melanoma genetics, CDKN2A, CDK4

Abstract

Melanoma is one of the top 10 cancers in the United States. It is an aggressive and potentially fatal skin cancer. Up to 10% of all people diagnosed with melanoma have a positive family history of melanoma and a family history with a first degree relative can increase the risk for family members by 75%. Poor family communications often result in first degree relatives’ lack of knowledge about risk and prevention for melanoma. Considering this lack of knowledge, primary care providers have the opportunity to assess risk; teach and encourage prevention measures; teach and perform skin exams; and refer to dermatology. Therefore, the purposes of this paper are to: (1) describe familial melanoma and families at risk for melanoma, (2) discuss communication about melanoma within families, and (3) discuss clinical implications for primary care providers related to identifying those at risk for melanoma. Collaborative care for families with melanoma risk can increase the chance of diagnosing melanoma in the earlier stages and decrease the risk of mortality associated with melanoma.