Can Patient-Led Surveillance Detect Subsequent New Primary or Recurrent Melanomas and Reduce the Need for Routinely Scheduled Follow Up? A Protocol for the MELSELF Randomised Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Most subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas might be self-detected if patients are trained to systematically self-examine their skin and have access to timely medical review (patient-led surveillance). Routinely scheduled clinic visits (clinician-led surveillance) is resource-intensive and has not been shown to improve health outcomes; fewer visits may be possible if patient-led surveillance is shown to be safe and effective. The MEL-SELF trial is a randomised controlled trial comparing patient-led surveillance with clinician-led surveillance in people who have been previously treated for localised melanoma.