Improving skin examinations for melanoma patients and their families through Facebook interventions
Facebook Intervention for Young Onset Melanoma Patients and Families
This study tests if special messages on Facebook can help melanoma patients and their families do better skin checks and protect their skin from the sun.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New Brunswick, New Jersey and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03677739 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of two Facebook interventions: the Young Melanoma Family intervention and the Healthy Lifestyle intervention, aimed at enhancing skin examination practices among melanoma patients and their first-degree relatives. Participants will be randomized into one of the two groups, where they will receive tailored messages over a 12-week period. The primary focus is on improving total cutaneous examinations, skin self-examination frequency, and sun protection habits. The study also aims to understand the mechanisms behind the efficacy of these interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include young melanoma survivors aged 18-39 who have completed treatment and their first-degree relatives without a personal history of melanoma.
Not a fit: Patients with concurrent cancer diagnoses or those who do not have access to the internet or Facebook may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve skin cancer detection and prevention practices among melanoma patients and their families.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using social media for health interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PATIENT: Diagnosed with stage 0-3 melanoma in the last 5 years * PATIENT: Age at diagnosis 18-39 years * PATIENT: Completed treatment at least 3 months previously * PATIENT: Recruited from New Jersey or California State Cancer Registry or MD Anderson Cancer Center * PATIENT: Does not have a concurrent cancer diagnosis * PATIENT: Able to speak and read English * PATIENT: Access to computer, internet, and has a Facebook account * PATIENT: At least one family member consents * FDR: Current age 18-80 years * FDR: Does not have a personal history of melanoma * FDR: Able to speak and read English * FDR: Access to computer, internet, and has a Facebook account * FDR: Has only one FDR with melanoma (patient) * FDR: Has not had a total cutaneous examination (TCE) in the past 3 years, has done skin self-exam (SSE) fewer than three times in the past year, OR has a sun protection habits average score less than or equal to 4 (?often?) * FDR: Patient consents Exclusion Criteria: * Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Thomas, et. al., 1992): This 7-item scale will be used to screen out individuals who will need to consult a physician for medical clearance before engaging in physical activity. If a participant checks off any of the items, the investigators will ask for a physician clearance before consenting to study
Where this trial is running
New Brunswick, New Jersey and 1 other locations
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey — New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
- MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Completed)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sharon Manne — Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.