Advances in TransplantationKidney transplantationEvaluating Retention of Skin Cancer Education in Kidney Transplant Recipients Reveals a Window of Opportunity for Re-education

•Skin cancer is the most common malignancy after solid organ transplant.•There are limited data assessing knowledge of skin cancer in transplant recipients.•Incorporation of an educational video increases transplant recipient knowledge.•Knowledge gained appears to positively influence risk modification and behavior.•This simple intervention offers a practical approach to help transplant patients.

BackgroundSkin cancer is the most common malignancy after solid organ transplant and can lead to significant morbidity. The likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas is 100 and 2.4 times more likely, respectively, in kidney transplant recipients when compared with the general population. There are few data regarding the assessment and influence of solid organ transplant recipient (SOTR) knowledge of skin cancer and its effect on short- and long-term awareness and behavior.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to assess the baseline knowledge of SOTR immediately after transplantation, and then to reassess their knowledge following a 5-minute educational video. We also wanted to determine whether lifestyle modifications had been implemented 4 to 8 months after the intervention.ResultsForty patients were enrolled within 2 months of transplantation. Eighty-seven percent of patients were renal transplant recipients, and 75% of patients were available for long-term follow-up. There was a significant increase in knowledge in the immediate postintervention period, which was sustained at 4- to 8-month follow-up, as assessed by patient questionnaire. Patients appeared to be applying this knowledge by participating in lifestyle risk modification and positive sun-protective behavior.ConclusionsOur study suggests that incorporating additional skin cancer education into the early transplant timeline (perhaps in the first one or two outpatient follow-up visits) with an easy to administer educational video and question and answer form increases patient knowledge and influences positive sun-protective behavior.