Best Foot Forward: Awareness of Melanoma of the Foot Among Podiatrists

This study assessed the awareness and knowledge of melanoma of the foot among podiatrists through an anonymous survey distributed to 400 registered members, yielding 247 responses. The findings revealed that while most podiatrists have extensive experience and frequently encounter suspicious pigmented lesions, there is a significant gap in formal training and comfort in managing these cases. Specifically, 71% of podiatrists identified lesions potentially indicative of melanoma, yet many did not feel comfortable referring patients directly to GPs or discussing photoprotection. The study highlights the need for improved undergraduate education, clearer referral pathways, and better interprofessional communication to enhance early detection of melanoma by podiatrists.