Abstract
Outdoor athletes represent an important group at risk for skin cancer because they are routinely exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The purpose of this study was to assess current skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among collegiate athletes. A modified version of the Melanoma Risk Behavior Survey was completed by 343 athletes attending a Southern University in the USA, generating an 87% response rate. Survey results demonstrated that the majority of the athletes do not limit their sun exposure and reported low levels of sun protective behaviors. In addition, athletes lacked knowledge about skin cancer and sun protection. Eighty-three percent of the athletes stated that tanning beds improve one's overall health. Race was significantly associated with skin cancer knowledge, whereas, gender was found to be significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards skin cancer. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between knowledge and behavior, but not between attitude and behavior. This study highlights the need to educate athletes about the hazards of tanning to minimize UV exposure and promote sun protection habits. Moreover, athletes should be educated on the dangers of indoor tanning facilities and encouraged to avoid these facilities.
Highlights
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA, with over 3.5 million cases recorded per year [1]
The American Cancer Society estimated 76,690 new cases of melanoma in 2013 and more than 9,000 deaths will be attributed to this type of cancer during the same year [3]
To reduce Ultra violet radiation (UVR) exposure, cancer organizations recommend sun protection practices, including seeking shade, limiting the direct sun exposure in the middle of the day when UVR is at its highest level, wearing sunglasses, covering skin with a protective clothing or hat with wide brim, and using sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and a 3- or 4-star UVA protection rating [3, 6]
Summary
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA, with over 3.5 million cases recorded per year [1]. Ultra violet radiation (UVR) exposure is the greatest modifiable risk factor for the occurrence of all major types of skin cancer, including melanoma [4, 5]. To reduce UVR exposure, cancer organizations recommend sun protection practices, including seeking shade, limiting the direct sun exposure in the middle of the day when UVR is at its highest level (between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), wearing sunglasses, covering skin with a protective clothing or hat with wide brim, and using sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and a 3- or 4-star UVA protection rating [3, 6]. Outdoor athletes are at an increased risk of skin cancer development because they are routinely exposed to excessive levels of UVR that may be unavoidable during practice and competition [7, 8].
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