Resumen de Correspondence and Correlates of Couples� Skin Cancer Screening

Carolyn J. Heckman, Susan Darlow, Sharon L. Manne, Deborah A. Kashy

• Importance Skin cancer is common among older adults. Some national organizations recommend total cutaneous examination (TCE) and skin self-examination (SSE) for skin cancer detection. Although the spousal relationship is a known influence on health behavior, little is known about the level of correspondence in skin screening among couples.

  Objective To investigate correspondence of TCE and SSE among older couples, demographic correlates of correspondence, and correspondence among barriers to skin examinations.

  Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional online survey of cohabitating partners 50 years or older performed from June 1, 2010, through July 31, 2010, via the nationally representative GfK (Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung or Society for Consumer Research) Internet panel.

  Main Outcomes and Measures Both TCE in the past 3 years and SSE in the past year.