Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection in Rural Communities: A Scoping Review of Dermatological Strategies and Implications for Clinical Practice in Alamogordo, New Mexico

Abstract

This study aimed to map dermatological strategies for skin cancer prevention and early detection in rural and medically underserved communities and identify implications for clinical practice in Alamogordo, New Mexico. A preliminary scoping review synthesis, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute approach and Population–Concept–Context framework, examined published observational studies, interventions, evidence reviews, and clinical guidance through descriptive evidence mapping and narrative synthesis. The literature highlighted complementary roles for ultraviolet protection, community education, clinical assessment, dermoscopy, teledermatology, and coordinated referrals. National research indicated that rural patients with melanoma had lower adjusted odds of receiving recommended surgery (0.52) and a higher melanoma-specific mortality hazard (1.19) than urban patients. Diagnostic evidence demonstrated improved accuracy with dermoscopy, although teledermatology performance varied across clinical circumstances. These findings indicated that effective rural dermatological care required integrating preventive practices with accessible diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and follow-up services. Clinics serving Alamogordo should strengthen individualized sun-protection counseling, suspicious-lesion assessment, appropriate diagnostic techniques, and referral coordination between primary care providers and dermatology specialists. The synthesis was limited by heterogeneous study characteristics, uncertain applicability to local healthcare conditions, and incomplete comprehensive searching and evidence charting. By integrating evidence on prevention, early detection, and healthcare accessibility, this review provides a practical foundation for developing context-sensitive dermatological services and identifying priorities for future rural healthcare research.