Unaffected family members report improvements in daily routine sun protection 2 years following melanoma genetic testing

Purpose: Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure may decrease melanoina risk in the hereditary melanoma setting. It is unknown whether genetic counseling and test reporting of CDKN2A/p16, mutation status promote long-term compliance with photoprotection recommendations, especially in Unaffected Mutation carriers. Methods: This study evaluated changes 2 years following melanoma genetic testing in self-reported practice of sun protection (sunscreen, photoprotective clothing, and ultraviolet radiation avoidance) among 37 members of two CDKN2A/p16 kindreds (10 unaffected carriers, 11 affected carriers, and 16 unaffected noncarriers; response:rate = 64.9% of eligible participants). Results: Multivatiate profile analysis indicated that all three participant groups reported increased daily routine practice of sun-protection 2. years following melanoma genetic testing (P < 0.02), With 96.9% reporting that at least one sun protection behavior was part of their daily routine up from 78.1% at baseline (P < 0.015). Unaffected carriers (P < 0.024) and unaffected noncarriers (P < 0.027) reported significantly more frequent use of photoprotective clothing. Affected carriers maintained adherence to all sun protection behaviors. Reported sunburns in the past 6 months decreased significantly; (P < 0.018). Conclusion; Members of high-risk families reported increased daily routine sun protection and decreased sunburns 2 years following melanoma genetic testing, with no net decline in sun protection following negative test results. Thus, genetic testing and counseling may motivate sustained improvements in prevention behaviors.