ASPO Abstracts
Assessment of precision prevention information for melanoma risk reduction
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2020
Abstract Body:
Purpose | To assess the impact of precision prevention materials conveying melanoma
risk information based on inherited genetic variation at the melanocortin-1 receptor gene
(MC1R).
Methods | We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of
feedback of inherited genetic risk (precision prevention) on melanoma prevention
behaviors among individuals reporting a sun-resistant phenotype. Participants were
randomized within MC1R risk categories (average/high) to receive mailed standard
(publicly-available) or precision prevention materials describing prevention activities. At 6
months, participants answered questions about quantity of materials read, clarity and
believability of information, intent to change sun protective behaviors, communication of
information, additional information seeking, and recall of genetic risk. We report on
differences in responses among the standard, average, and high risk groups.
Results | The 6-month survey was completed by 398 (70%), 170 (75%), and 240 (70%)
participants in the standard, average, and high risk groups, respectively. There were no
differences by group in the quantity of material read or seeking additional information
about prevention behaviors. Those in the high risk group spoke less (32%) with someone
about their materials compared to those in the average risk (41%) or standard (42%)
group (p=0.05). Believably and clarity of materials also differed by group; those in the
standard group rated believability higher than those in the high risk group (p=0.0017) and
clarity higher than both the high (p<0.001) and average (p<0.001) risk group. We did not
find a difference by group in intention to change behavior. Although a similar proportion
of participants in the average (72%) and high risk (70%) groups recalled their MC1R risk
category; accuracy of recall was significantly higher in the average risk (100%) compared
to the high risk (77%) group (p<0.001).
Conclusions | Despite some differences, educational materials were generally well-
received by study participants in the standard and precision prevention groups. The lack
of accurate recall of MC1R risk category among those in the high risk group is potentially
concerning and should be explored juxtaposed against intervention results.
Keywords: precision prevention, melanoma, health behaviors, skin protection, genetic risk