WoM for Medical Providers

War on Melanoma for Physicians

The War on Melanoma™ is planning a statewide launch of:

  • A melanoma early detection educational curriculum, designed to inform the lay population of melanoma risk, the importance of self screening, what to look for, and what to do if they find something concerning.
  • A large-scale media campaign, focusing on the early detection of melanoma.
  •  A primary care/medical professional early detection curriculum, designed to train and/or review skin lesions and skin cancer screening guidelines.
When?

 May (skin cancer awareness month) 2019

Why?

  • Oregon ranks in the top 10 nationally for rate of new melanomas and rate of melanoma deaths (2011-2015, CDC;USCS).
  • How soon a melanoma is detected directly correlates to survival rates (SEER 2008-2014).
  • The more awareness and education we can deliver to Oregonians on the risks and early detection of melanoma, as well as enhancing physician care in regards to melanoma, the more impact we can have in reducing melanoma-related deaths in Oregon.

What does it mean to me?

If our efforts are as successful as we hope, it is plausible to predict an influx of patients looking to follow up on moles/lesions that concern them. We want to ensure: 

  • Physicians statewide are aware of this potential influx, as the 'frontline' of medicine. 
  • Physicians who feel the need to improve their knowledge on skin cancers/skin exams have access to do some remotely via educational updates or online curriculum. 
  • Physicians are aware of tools available for patients, including lay education curriculum, Molemapper™mole tracking iPhone app, joining the Melanoma Community Registry. 

What can I do?

  • Assure you stay up to date on any news or training opportunities by joining out email distribution list: Email stoos@ohsu.edu with your name and professional title. 
  • Join the Melanoma Community Registry, and/or encourage patients to do so, to learn about melanoma events, volunteer opportunities, updates, and more. Registration link at www.waronmelanoma.com. 
  • Download and use MoleMapper™iPhone app, and encourage patients to utilize it to track moles in-between visits. Visit www.molemapper.org for download link and more information. Interested in promoting Molemapper™in your clinic? Email molemapper@ohsu.edu to request clinic materials. 
  • Check www.waronmelanoma.com in the summer of 2019 for news on the educational curriculum launch.

Background

The War on Melanoma™ is an IRB-approved research project directed by P.I. Sancy Leachman, M.D., Ph.D., Chair, Department of Dermatology; Director, Melanoma Program, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.

The 'War' is an all-fronts effort to reduce melanoma-related deaths in Oregon. Current efforts include:
  • Recruitment to an IRB-approved melanoma research cohort — the Melanoma Community Registry —that is nearing 8,000 members.
  • Creation of MoleMapper™ iPhone Mole Tracking App. App allows users to track moles from a smartphone and analyze them over time to detect potentially harmful changes in their skin. Users can store photos to share with their provider, and opt in to participate in research to create artificial intelligence method to detect melanoma early.
  • Medical community education and outreach efforts, including creation of virtual platforms to connect community and rural providers to melanoma tumor board and melanoma education updates CME opportunities.
  • Community education and outreach efforts, including patient symposiums and community events resulting in thousands of physical attendees and 100,000+ social media reach. Partnership formed with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) state-licensed skincare professionals (massage therapy, cosmetology, etc...) to reach high-impact audience who sees skin at magnitude.  

Contact

War on Melanoma™ Outreach Manager
Elizabeth Stoos
stoos@ohsu.edu
503-494-6024