A study for people recently diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer to find out what made them go to the doctor

This study looked at why some people prolong going to their doctor (GP) when they have a symptom that could be melanoma. This study was supported by Cancer Research UK as part of the National Awareness and Early Detection Initiative (NAEDI).

Doctors know that the earlier melanoma is detected, the easier it is to treat. In this study researchers wanted to look at what made some people go to their GP sooner than others.

The aims of the study were to

• Find out why some people go to their GP sooner than others

• Find out if information about melanoma should be improved to help people to decide to go to their GP sooner

• Compare the experiences of people with thinner melanomas (measuring less than 1mm across) with those of people who have thicker melanomas (measuring more than 2mm across)