Skin Cancer Screening Education Study

Skin Cancer Screening Education Study

The overall aim of this population-based screening study is to assess whether the skin cancer screening training of family physicians and dermatologists leads to improved screening outcomes. The training course aims to increase the accuracy of detecting early stages of skin cancer. Screening outcomes of an intervention region (Calgary, Canada) in which physicians receive training will be compared with screening outcomes of a control region (Edmonton, Canada) where no physician training is administered.

The investigators will determine whether:

• clinical screening outcomes are more favorable in the group of trained physicians compared to non trained physicians
• there is an increase of knowledge about skin cancer screening among trained physicians, compared to non trained physicians
• skin cancer screenings are associated with psycho-social harms
• population-based screening has an effect on the overall incidence and stage-specific-incidence of skin cancer in Alberta

The investigators are aiming to recruit 100 physicians per region (total of 200 physicians) who will screen 40,000 to 80,000 individuals over a period of 20 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Screenees

   • Male and female residents of Alberta mainly living and receiving care in Edmonton or in Calgary
   • Age 20+
   • English-speaking
   • Individuals who consent to participate

2. Physicians

   • Registered dermatologists and family physicians administering care either in Edmonton or in Calgary
   • English-speaking
   • Physicians who consent to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

Physicians who have undergone special training in skin cancer screening within the last 2 years