A study of Australian patients and community members found that melanoma risk prediction tools were generally user-friendly and helpful for understanding personal melanoma risk, with 37% reporting that they would change their prevention or skin-check behaviours.
Abstract
Background: To identify high-risk individuals, melanoma risk prediction tools have been developed. However, little is known about their use in practice by patients and the community. We assessed the use, usability and acceptability of two validated melanoma risk prediction tools (first or subsequent primary melanoma) by patients and the community.
Methods: Existing users of the risk tools were recruited from all states and territories across Australia between July 2023 and July 2024, via a website invitation on the online melanoma risk prediction tools. A total of 268 (84%) completed a questionnaire and 30 participated in semi-structured individual phone interviews (average 20 min duration). Qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Most questionnaire participants were women (72%), aged ≥ 50 years (55%); 26% had a previous melanoma diagnosis and 84% a previous clinical skin check. Most participants used the risk tool at home (85%), and 5% as part of a consultation with a doctor. The most common reason for use was “to understand my risk of getting a melanoma” (76%). Most participants (88%) found the melanoma risk tool helpful and 37% reported that they would subsequently change their prevention or skin check behaviours. Qualitative feedback suggested the tools reinforced existing melanoma prevention practices. Some were uncertain about the accuracy of risk estimates, particularly when the risk estimate was lower than expected.
Conclusions: The risk prediction tools were found by community members and patients to be user-friendly, and helpful for understanding personal melanoma risk and for guiding prevention behaviours.
Reference:
Reyes-Marcelino, G., Smit, A.K., Salam, R.A. et al. Evaluating the use, acceptability, usability, and perceptions of melanoma risk prediction tools for estimating melanoma risk among the community and patients in Australia: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-29644-8