In their study "Are We Missing Melanoma Follow-Up? Surveillance Adherence in a Rural Primary Care Cohort", Li Ning Yong and Zara Bolam examined melanoma follow-up at a rural Taranaki general practice.
The retrospective review of 57 patients found that among those with melanoma in situ, 48% were fully adherent and 26% partially adherent to recommended follow-up. Adherence was more variable for invasive melanoma, with lower rates seen in early-stage disease (T1/T2, though subgroup numbers were small) compared to more advanced disease, where greater specialist involvement may have supported more consistent follow-up. New primary melanomas and a late recurrence were identified during surveillance.
The findings highlight the challenges of delivering consistent melanoma follow-up in rural primary care and suggest that structured recall systems and clearer responsibility for ongoing surveillance could help improve equity and long-term outcomes for rural patients.
This study was presented as an e-poster at the 2026 NZ Skin Cancer Summit.