Melanoma high-risk families' perceived health care provider risk communication

Background. Families with a melanoma history are at risk of melanoma. Melanoma survival improves when people are aware of their risk and ways to modify it. We explored at-risk families' perceived risk communication from healthcare providers. Methods. Qualitative description. Results. Participants perceived: (1) few provider discussions of melanoma risk or risk-modifying behaviors; (2) a desire to trust information from providers; (3) the healthcare system constrains communication; and (4) concerns about provider competence and caring regarding worrisome lesions. Conclusions. Providers should provide clear, comprehensive, accurate, and consistent messages about melanoma to persons at high risk; messages also convey competence and caring.