Skin cancer could be detected by hairstylists, which would help significantly in discovering melanoma cases early on, according to new research.
Researchers the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed data from surveys filled out by 203 professional hairdressers, who answered questions about whether or not they looked for abnormal moles on their customers’ head, neck and face. 37 percent said they checked the scalps of half of their clients, and nearly 30 percent reported examining the necks of over half of their customers. Additionally, 15 percent had checked the faces of over half of their clients.
"Hairdressers and barbers can potentially play a key role in detection of early melanoma if they are trained on how to look at the skin for atypical moles and lesions while they are taking care of their customer's hair," said Alan C. Geller of the Harvard School of Public Health, lead researcher the study, as quoted by Health Day. "They have a unique view of these high-risk sites."
Fifty-eight percent of the hairstylists surveyed reported that they had recommended to at least one of their clients that they see a doctor about an abnormal mole, and 69 percent were either “somewhat” or “very likely” to give their clients pamphlets about skin cancer. Half of the stylists said they would be interested participating in a skin cancer education program.
"We don't want hairdressers diagnosing skin cancer; we want hairdressers to pay attention to their customer's scalp and behind the ears and neck, basically areas that customers cannot access easily, and point out any suspicious lesions so that customers can go to a physician," said Dr. Shasa Hu, professor of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, as quoted by Health Day.
The researchers recommend that future programs should be designed to help give hairstylists expert training on detecting skin cancer. The research was published in the Archives of Dermatology.