Post-diagnosis skin cancer follow-up in rural general practice: A mixed-method study

Background and objectives: The literature reveals a lack of consensus on recommendations for follow-up of skin cancer in general practice for all types of skin cancer. The objective of this paper was to evaluate post-treatment surveillance practices for both melanotic and non-melanotic skin cancers (NMSC) by general practitioners (GPs) in regional Victoria, and to identify challenges in follow-up for skin cancers in rural areas. Method: A mixed-method study involving a survey and semi-structured interviews with GPs and registrars in Gippsland was carried out in 2015. Results: The survey of 65 participants showed that 69% (45/65) followed up NMSC opportunistically, while 66% (43/65) reported using a structured follow-up practice for melanoma. Six practitioners from the interviews identified the patient's level of education, time constraints, practitioner accessibility and specialists' availability as some common challenges in follow-up. Discussion: We recommend that rural GPs review follow-up strategies for all skin cancers, through the establishment of guidelines and a recall system.