Changes in Patient Perception and Behavior following Mohs Micrographic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is used for the removal of difficult or recurrent skin cancer. Little is known about the behavioral changes of patients who have undergone this procedure. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to document patients' long-term psychological and behavioral changes following MMS. METHODS: A survey was mailed to a sample of 260 persons who underwent the Mohs procedure in 1997. It included questions on sunscreen use, level of anxiety about cancer, patient confidence in MMS, and changes in high-risk habits. RESULTS: The study included 214 patients who responded to our mailed questionnaire. Trends showed an increase in some but not all preventative measures taken to avoid skin cancer recurrence post-MMS. Other healthy lifestyle changes, such as decreased cigarette smoking, were not noted. CONCLUSION: Mohs micrographic surgery has an impact on some aspects of patients' health-related behavior, especially skin cancer prevention. Other aspects which are not affected may be targets for extra patient education.