Caitlin Horsham

Background: Melanoma rates are on the rise in Australia, with melanoma in situ (MIS) increasing at an even faster rate, highlighting a growing trend reflecting improved detection of early‐stage melanoma. The aim of this study is to explore the psychological impact associated with receiving a MIS diagnosis. Methods: Individuals diagnosed with MIS within 1 year participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and reported following Holland's research model. Results: Nine main themes were identified, reflecting a wide range of immediate responses and evolving concerns over time, with differences evident between younger and older participants. Participants reported the use of coping strategies, support systems, and that they changed their sun safety behaviours post‐diagnosis. Conclusions: Findings demonstrated varied psychological responses to MIS diagnosis by life course and coping strategies, highlighting the need for future research to address psychological needs through tailored and context‐specific interventions.

Background: Given Australia's high UV exposure and sun‐seeking habits, public awareness is critical for early melanoma diagnosis. This study aims to assess melanoma awareness in Australian adults. Methods: An adapted Melanoma Cancer Awareness Measure (M‐CAM) survey with both prompted and unprompted questions was used to assess knowledge of melanoma signs and symptoms, targeting adults over 18 years, excluding healthcare professionals. Results: Among 390 participants, the mean number of correctly identified melanoma signs and symptoms was 3.5 out of 17 (unprompted) and 11 out of 14 (prompted). For melanoma risk factors, participants recalled an average of 3.1 items out of 21 (unprompted), and 14 out of 20 items when prompted. The most commonly identified symptoms (unprompted) were changes in the colour (72%), size (41%) and shape (34%) of an existing mole. Sun exposure was the most recognised melanoma risk factor (89%) in unprompted recall, followed by family history of melanoma (64%) and fair skin colour (47%). Conclusion: In this Australian sample, unprompted awareness was low, even among those with a melanoma history. Targeted efforts to identify sub‐groups with low awareness, alongside education highlighting less common signs, may enhance early detection and improve melanoma outcomes.

The University of Queensland's institutional repository, UQ eSpace, aims to create global visibility and accessibility of UQ’s scholarly research.

The University of Queensland's institutional repository, UQ eSpace, aims to create global visibility and accessibility of UQ’s scholarly research.

Background: It is widely accepted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and vaginal hysterectomy are less invasive procedures compared to total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). However, rates of TAH remain unreasonably high.Aim: To pilot‐test a model of training for practising obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&Gs) in TLH.Materials and Methods: Training of participating O&Gs was conducted across four hospitals in Queensland, Australia, while other O&Gs were observed as contemporary controls. Type of hysterectomy, details of the surgery, including adverse events, were collected from hospital medical records.Results: Eleven O&Gs completed the pre‐intervention and intervention training periods, and nine completed the post‐intervention follow‐up. TLH rates increased from 24% prior to 75% during and 68% after intervention. Overall, the uptake rate of TLH showed a two‐fold increase during the intervention period (2.08, 95% CI: 1.16–8.56, P < 0.001) and a 12% increase was retained during the follow‐up period (1.12, 95% CI: 0.54–4.02, P = 0.427). Pre‐intervention, across all sites, 24% of hysterectomies were performed via TAH by the participating specialist trainees, which decreased to 13% during the intervention and 14% during follow‐up. The rate of adverse events decreased from 13.5% at pre‐intervention, to 6.4% during and 4.2% post‐intervention. By comparison, no change in surgical approach or rate of adverse events was observed in the control group.Conclusions: The implementation of a formal and structured surgical training program teaching TLH resulted in important benefits to trainees, patients and society in the four trial hospitals.

Background and Objective: Queensland, Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Sunburn remains highly prevalent in adolescents and young adults, who report sub-optimal sun-safe behaviours. School leaver festivals or “schoolies” celebrations are common across...

Background: Three‐dimensional (3D) total‐body photography is a recent advance in melanoma early detection that can aid in monitoring and identifying new and changing skin lesions over time.Methods: A cross‐sectional survey of adults living in metropolitan and rural areas of Australia was conducted to assess perceptions of 3D total‐body photography. Participants completed a survey detailing their previous use of skin cancer photography, personal skin checking history, perceptions of 3D total‐body photography, and willingness to pay. Participants were also asked to describe the potential barriers and facilitators of 3D total‐body photography in their own words.Results: A total of 1056 participants completed the survey, with 739 (70%) from metropolitan areas of Australia and 317 (30%) from rural areas. Most participants (95%, n = 1004/1056) indicated they would consider using 3D total‐body photography if it became commercially available at their regular medical practice. Most participants indicated 3D total‐body photography would be effective to identify suspicious skin spots (94%, n = 995/1056), monitor lesion changes (94%, n = 997/1056), and reduce skin cancer related anxiety (90%, n = 950/1055). In open‐ended feedback, participants (87%, n = 918/1056) identified perceived benefits, including more comprehensive screenings, earlier detection, and less human error. Participants (84%, n = 889/1056) also identified potential barriers to 3D total‐body photography, including cost, accessibility and availability, trust in the technology, and digital security concerns.Conclusions: Participant feedback indicated a high level of acceptance and confidence in the technology. To facilitate clinical translation, addressing consumer‐identified barriers to 3D total‐body photography will be vital.