Abstract
Despite substantially higher skin cancer risks, little research has investigated men’s attitudes about skin cancer and how those attitudes relate to their risks of developing skin cancer. This study aims to close the gap in research, regarding men’s perceptions and behaviors about skin cancer, sun exposure, and tanning. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of 705 men recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), reporting attitudes and behaviors towards sun exposure, tanning, and sun protection. While the majority of men reported large daily outdoor activities, that their skin frequently burns with sun exposure, and riskier perceptions of tanning, only a minority reported daily use of sunscreen or most other sun protective behaviors. More sun protection methods were associated with more frequent use of sunscreen and less positive tanning perceptions. Men consistently engaged in high-risk behaviors for developing skin cancer, but they did not engage highly in protective behaviors to mitigate their risk. The findings can help improve clinical and public health interventions to lower men’s risk of skin cancer with strong messages about sunscreen use and sun protective methods.
Highlights
Accepted: 18 September 2021Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States annually [1,2]
Our research investigates men’s reports on their sun exposure and perception of their skin cancer risks, including tanning, and their skin cancer prevention behaviors
In response to sun exposure, 74.4% of men reported that their skin type either always, often or moderately burns, blisters or peels (Table 1)
Summary
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States annually [1,2]. The majority of skin cancers are basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas that cause substantial morbidity and are associated with increased mortality from other cancer types [3]. Almost 200,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancers occur annually [5]. Research clearly shows the carcinogenic potential of UV light, and the popularization of purposeful UV exposure with tanning has significantly increased patient risk for developing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers [7]. Some health professionals have insufficient knowledge of concomitant use of sunscreen, ultraviolet (UV)-light exposure, and skin cancer risk [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
