ASSESSMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY AS AN AID TO EARLY DETECTION OF MELANOMA IN OLDER MALES BY GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$36,110.00
Summary
Our previous studies have shown that older groups are more likely to present with advanced melanoma and that over half the deaths from melanoma occur in males over the age of 50. Early detection of melanoma in this group could therefore be expected to result in a major reduction in mortality from the disease. The reason for presentation with more advanced melanoma appears to be due to a high frequency of melanoma at hard to see sites such as the back and a form of melanoma (nodular melanoma) tha ....Our previous studies have shown that older groups are more likely to present with advanced melanoma and that over half the deaths from melanoma occur in males over the age of 50. Early detection of melanoma in this group could therefore be expected to result in a major reduction in mortality from the disease. The reason for presentation with more advanced melanoma appears to be due to a high frequency of melanoma at hard to see sites such as the back and a form of melanoma (nodular melanoma) that is hard to recognise in its early stages. Older people also are less able to recognise changes of melanoma. Our previous studies also showed that both doctors and lay people have poor ability to recognise changes in skin lesions over time but can do so if a photographic record is available. We wish therefore to evaluate in pilot studies whether a screening service based on photographic records taken at age 50 will assist in the early detection of melanoma in this age group. A pilot study is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of recruitment procedures, acceptability to doctors and cost-effectiveness. We have made substantial progress and are requesting another years funding to complete the study and its analysis. If the project is successful it is intended to conduct a larger randomised trial in the Hunter Region to evaluate this approach to screening. Thickness of the primary melanoma and survival from melanoma will be used as the endpoints.Read moreRead less
The Effect Of Loading On The Size, Shape And Strength Of Cortical Bone During Different Stages Of Maturation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the skeleton becomes fragile and susceptible to fractures. It is a public health problem that affects both men and women over the age of sixty. Although osteoporosis affects the elderly, the most opportune time to prevent osteoporosis may be during childhood. Physical activity is a lifestyle factor known to affect the strength of the skeleton. Bone density is commonly used as a measure of bone strength because it is easily measured and is related to the break ....Osteoporosis is a condition in which the skeleton becomes fragile and susceptible to fractures. It is a public health problem that affects both men and women over the age of sixty. Although osteoporosis affects the elderly, the most opportune time to prevent osteoporosis may be during childhood. Physical activity is a lifestyle factor known to affect the strength of the skeleton. Bone density is commonly used as a measure of bone strength because it is easily measured and is related to the breaking strength of bones. However changes in the shape of bones can also affect bone strength with or without an increase in bone density. Changes in bone shape in response to exercise in children or adults have rarely been investigated, and little is known about the effects of exercise on bone shape during different stages of growth. This study is the first to investigate how exercise during childhood may affect bone strength by changing bone shape. 45 elite female tennis players aged between 6 to 18 years have completed two years of this study. 90 novice and competitive male tennis players aged between 6 to 20 years and 60 healthy age matched controls will be asked to participate in this study. Measurements will be made annually for three years. The bone shape and density of the dominant and non-dominant arms of the players will be compared with the children who don't play tennis - comparisons will also be made between i) different stages of puberty and ii) girls and boys. The findings of this study are important because the lifestyle of children today may predispose them to a greater risk of osteoporosis late in life. Physical activity may be the most important modifiable protective factor against fragile bones in old age. The findings of this study will be the first to provide insight into whether there is a unique time during growth when exercise will result in the greatest increase in bone strength by changing bone shape.Read moreRead less