Skin Cancer Institute–Patient registry and tissue bank
The Skin Cancer Institute Patient Registry and Tissue Bank collect information on skin cancer incidence in Southwest Arizona. The purpose of the Registry and Tissue Bank is to create a repository to be used by doctors and researchers to better understand the causes of skin cancer. The data collected will describe both the individual with the skin cancer, and the characteristics of the skin cancer itself. By studying personal histories, medical records, blood, saliva and tissues from thousands of patients, we hope to find better ways to treat and prevent skin cancer.
During recruitment phases, patients who are seen in the dermatology clinic at The University of Arizona Cancer Center - North Campus are given a clinic questionnaire to complete before their appointment. If the patient selects the ‘interested in registry’ box on the last page, a staff member will talk to him or her after their appointment. Patients are asked to complete a registry questionnaire and give a small sample of saliva. Blood samples may be collected at future visits. The patient’s medical records are reviewed, and samples of tissue collected from biopsies and surgeries may be requested from the patient’s physicians.
We also need participants who have been diagnosed with actinic keratosis for the registry. Learn more about being part of the AK registry here.