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Objective To systematically review psycho-educational interventions developed for melanoma survivors. Methods Electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL were systematically searched using key words and subject headings for articles describing educational or psychological interventions designed specifically for people affected by melanoma. Results Twenty-seven articles, generated by 16 unique interventions, were included for detailed review. Overall, educational interventions showed increased patient satisfaction with clinical care and information provision, as well as increased frequency of skin self-examination, although accuracy and thoroughness of skin examination were seldom reported. Participation in psychological interventions was associated with decreases in anxiety, health-related distress, and melanoma recurrence rates, as well as positive changes in coping with illness. Programs, when implemented as part of routine clinical care, were found to be cost-effective. Conclusions Interventions in this field vary widely, limiting the identification of 'active ingredients' for psychological or behavioral change. Future intervention studies should ensure sufficient information is provided to support program replication and comprehensive assessment of program outcomes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The potential role of genetic testing in families with an inherited pattern of melanoma is a complex issue, and yet limited data exist on perceptions of predictive genetic testing for mutations among individuals at high risk of melanoma. Methodology: Forty semi-structured interviews were undertaken with affected and unaffected individuals at either high or average risk of developing melanoma due to family history. Interviews addressed key issues such as: the role of genetics in causal attributions for melanoma; genetic testing intentions and motivations; perceived accuracy of genetic testing in predicting melanoma onset, and the impact of varied accuracy on testing intentions; views on the testing of children; perceived benefits and limitations of testing; and information needs and communication preferences. Results: In-depth thematic analysis revealed a number of important qualitative differences between groups at varying risk of melanoma, and genders. Specifically, participants with a family history of melanoma believed genetic factors play an important role in melanoma causation; conveyed strong intentions to pursue genetic testing; and viewed the benefits of genetic testing as outweighing the limitations. Females appeared to endorse the testing of children more firmly than males, and males' intentions to pursue testing appeared more contingent on penetrance than females'. Across groups, the most preferred communication option was an informational video. Conclusion: Those at high risk of melanoma due to family history express a strong interest in predictive genetic testing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]