Skin Cancer Awareness Research Articles

Abstract B056: Empowering underserved communities: The impact of the Sun Bus and Texas Tech on skin cancer awareness and prevention in “Sun City”

Abstract Purpose: Ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer.1,2 Other risk factors include fair skin, moles, family history, and history of sunburns.1,3 Photoprotective practices and regular skin examinations can help prevent skin cancer associated with ultraviolet radiation,5-8 underlining the importance of prevention and early detection. However, dermatological health disparities, such as limited access to dermatologists and inadequate awareness of sun protection practices, present significant challenges to effective prevention and early detection efforts. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is crucial, particularly amongst minoritized groups, who carry a higher burden of skin cancer morbidity and mortality.9 The Sun Bus, affiliated with the Colorado Melanoma Foundation, travels across the United States providing free skin cancer screenings and prevention education to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.1 In collaboration with the Sun Bus, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and Myth Busters at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso organized a bilingual skin cancer education and screening community event in El Paso, Texas. The main objectives were to debunk skin cancer myths prevalent in underserved communities and to strengthen prevention initiatives. Methods: Participants were administered optional surveys assessing their skin cancer knowledge and prevention behaviors before and after attending the session. Demographic data was collected, and pre-event and post-event knowledge were quantified using unpaired T-tests. Results: The event was attended by over 100 people. Over 80% of the event attendees were Hispanic. Among them, approximately one-third had only graduated high school, another third had completed college, and one-quarter held advanced degrees. The ages of participants ranged from 18 to over 75. Notably, 22% of respondents were uninsured. All survey respondents reported learning something new from the event. The performance from the pre-test to the post-test improved significantly by 7.04% (p=0.017). Additionally, attendees reported better knowledge about where to apply sunscreen and the importance of wearing sun-protective clothing. Conclusion: The Sun Bus Community Initiative proved to be an effective method for participants to learn about sun protection, skin cancer prevention and screening. This initiative could serve as a model to implement in other underserved communities to improve skin cancer awareness and prevention. Citation Format: Daniel Lovasz, Brian Kan, Hannah Riva, Shravya Kichena, Fabiola Ramirez, Whitney Shaffer, Julia Guido, Mariana Arajuo-Rincon, Jessica Chacon. Empowering underserved communities: The impact of the Sun Bus and Texas Tech on skin cancer awareness and prevention in “Sun City” [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B056.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Skin Cancer Concerns and Protective Practices in Manitoba, Canada, Highlights Lack of Skin Cancer Awareness and Predominance of High-Risk Sun Exposure Behaviors.

The rapidly increasing skin cancer rates in Canada are alarming, with current data estimating that 1/3 of Canadians will be affected in their lifetime. Thus, deeper understanding of high-risk sun exposure behaviors is needed to help counter this trend. Only limited action has been taken by federal/provincial governments to reduce skin cancer incidence. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Manitoba, with frequency counts, means, and percentages used to encapsulate responses. Age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression analyses. Our study identified worrying inadequacies in sun protective behaviors and attitudes, with the threat of such high-risk behaviors amplified by a lack of skin cancer awareness. Alarming elements were noted in participants' sun exposure history (>65% reported a history of sunburns, >50% previously used a tanning bed, and >75% recently tanned for pleasure), beliefs and attitudes (>50% believe that they look better/healthier with a tan, and >40% believe that having a base tan is protective against further sun damage), and sun protection efforts (sun protective clothing was used <60% of the time, sunscreen was used by <50%, and there was a lack of knowledge about sunscreen characteristics in ~30% of respondents), in addition to significant differences being established between demographic subgroups (based on gender, age, skin phototype, income, and education attained). This study provides worrisome insight onto the grim landscape of sun protective behaviors and attitudes in Manitoba, which will inevitably translate into higher skin cancer rates and should serve as a call to action to promote targeted public health messaging in this jurisdiction and beyond.

52417 Efficacy of the Minority Outreach for High School Students (MOHSS) Program in Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Skin Cancer Awareness and Outcomes

52417 Efficacy of the Minority Outreach for High School Students (MOHSS) Program in Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Skin Cancer Awareness and Outcomes

Determination of Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Status of Nursing Students

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students' awareness of sun knowledge and skin cancer. Method: The research is cross-sectional and descriptive. Through the use of an online questionnaire, 272 nursing students provided the study's data. Data were gathered using the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale and a form asking participants to describe their personal information. The statistical application IBM SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. Results: The Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale total score (14.51±3.24) was determined to be higher than the middle level. The total score of the scale did not significantly correlate with the students' age, grade level, prior knowledge of skin cancer, or the existence of a family history of the disease (p&amp;gt;0.05). However, there was a significant correlation (p&amp;lt;0.05) between gender and the scale's total score. The students' ages and the scale's overall score did not significantly correlate (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, most respondents have knowledge that is above the intermediate level. Even though the study's conclusions paint a generally positive picture, they also demonstrate the need for further development. At this point, more effective community awareness of skin cancer may result from evaluating and updating the methods and content of nursing education programs. Future work could focus on the development of more specific strategies to increase knowledge in this area.

Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer: An Examination of Communications for Prevention on Instagram in a High-Risk Context

Young people are increasingly affected by skin cancer in industrialized countries around the world, such as Spain, in Europe. The incidence of skin cancer is expected to continue to increase in the coming years if adequatephotoprotection habits are not implemented. Social media have been previously studied as a tool with great potential for skin cancer awareness and prevention in the young population (Falzone et al., 2017), so it is necessary to know and deepen the communication in these media to contribute to prevention. This paper explores these aspects in the context of the high prevalence of skin cancer in Spain. It aims to analyze the content of strategic communication of primary prevention or photoprevention disseminated on Instagram –the social media most used by young people (IAB Spain, 2023)– through the agenda-setting theory and the health belief model. As a result of the analysis of publications issued during the prevention campaign season in 2022, data were obtained regarding the first-level agenda, with a prevalence of content on photoprotection (40.9%), and the second-level agenda, with a majority framing focused on the causes of skin cancer (58.1%). Likewise, the publications showed a low frequency of the health belief model elements related toskin cancer prevention, except for the action signal (49.5%).

Are people more concerned about photoaging than skin cancer when raising awareness about risks of skin exposure?

This study conducted a comprehensive online survey across 17 countries to assess the influence of fear of skin cancer versus fear of photoaging on photoprotection practices. Revealing significant differences in sun protection behaviors, the research found that individuals concerned about photoaging are more likely to adopt comprehensive sun protection measures compared to those fearful of skin cancer. The findings highlight the potential for integrating concerns about photoaging into skin cancer awareness campaigns to enhance public health strategies for sun protection.

Occupational skin cancer screening: Results of a cross‐sectional study at the city drainage company Munich

AbstractBackgroundSince skin cancer incidence and prevalence are rising steadily, the prevention of skin cancer has gained importance. People with high sun exposure at work are at special risk, and prevention measures by the employer may lower the risk, especially for keratinocyte carcinoma.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the results of a large‐scale skin cancer screening campaign at the city drainage company Munich where the cohort consisted mainly of outdoor workers.MethodsIn 2023, a skin cancer screening campaign was conducted at the city drainage company Munich. Sun exposure and protection measures of each participant were assessed using a questionnaire. Dermatologists identified clinical signs for sun damage and skin cancer by whole‐body skin examination.ResultsA total of 290 participants (72.8% male; mean age 43.7 ± 11.5 years) were enroled. 36.6% showed clinical signs of sun damage correlating with male gender, higher age, and more hours spent outdoors per day. Clinical examination revealed a suspect finding of skin cancer, a preliminary stage, or a lesion requiring clinical control to avoid skin cancer development in 19.3% of participants. Participants with atypical melanocytic lesions were mostly female and showed a high skin cancer awareness. This was concluded from the fewer signs of sun damage, a higher percentage of previous screening participation, and more regular self‐examination.ConclusionsWhole‐body examination for skin cancer screening at work is a valuable tool to encourage participation in this preventive measure. It may help identify people at risk either by clinical signs for sun damage or risk exposure which can be assessed with a simple questionnaire. Based on this result, the screening interval may be adopted individually.

Representation of skin carcinomas in public awareness - Awareness worldwide and in Germany.

In recent years, there has been an increase in skin cancer. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the representation of skin cancer in public awareness worldwide and in Germany, and to determine whether Skin Cancer Awareness Month is represented in the search interests of the Internet-using population in the same way as Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. In this study, Google Trends data were used to track levels of public awareness for different tumor entities and skin cancer types worldwide and for Germany. The results of this analysis clearly showed a high level of relative public search interest in breast cancer worldwide in the awareness month of October. Worldwide and in Germany, there was a certain increase in search interest and a certain seasonal effect around the May awareness month for skin cancer. For example, the analysis showed a search interest in May and during the summer months in Germany. It is likely that the population, for example in Germany, may benefit further from an even greater emphasis on the topic of skin cancer.

The role of community pharmacists in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer: an evaluation of a Flemish skin cancer prevention campaign

BackgroundSkin cancer is a leading form of cancer in Belgium. Prevention of skin cancer by community pharmacists can play a role in increasing awareness and promoting sun protection. However, which persons could be reached by community pharmacists for skin cancer awareness in Belgium and whether this increased awareness is associated with increased sun protection and early detection remains unclear.MethodsDemographics of approached persons in Flemish community pharmacies during the months of May-June 2022 and the content of the skin cancer counseling were retrieved from the pharmacy database. Sunscreen purchases and dermatologist visits were evaluated up to 180 days after the skin cancer counseling.ResultsCommunity pharmacists provided skin cancer counseling to a broad population of visitors (n = 822, 69% females, median age of 59 years Q1-Q3: 44–71 years). During the campaign, 822 visitors received a leaflet with skin cancer prevalence and sunscreen importance. On top of that, 335 visitors (41%) received additional counseling: skin type sensitivity was checked for 198 visitors (24%), typical characteristics of melanoma were discussed with 100 visitors (12%) and 37 visitors (5%) were referred to a physician for further information or concerns regarding a skin spot. Overall, one out of three visitors purchased sunscreen on the day of the counseling (33%, increasing up to 38% after 180 days). Among people under 20 years, this was even higher (51%). Additional counseling increased the likelihood of a dermatologist visit within 180 days (OR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.12–2.88).ConclusionsBy providing skin cancer counseling in Belgian community pharmacies, a broad range of citizens was reached and triggered to purchase sunscreen, often on the same day as the counseling. Notably, young people were likely to purchase sunscreen. Citizens receiving additional counseling were more likely to visit a dermatologist within 180 days.

Online Doc: Is Social Media Education a Tool for Melanoma Prevention? A Survey-Based Analysis Among Romanian Digitally Active Users.

In the contemporary era, people are extracting medical information from content-sharing means on the Internet, and the most popular virtual platforms authorize users to access knowledge, guidance, and exchange opinions. Doctors have massively joined online communities and developed educational accounts to meet the informational necessities of general users. The aim of the current study is to identify the role of social media in augmenting the awareness of melanoma. For this observational study, questionnaires were disseminated to the general population over eight weeks consecutively, through online channels, represented by Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.,Menlo Park, California, United States) and Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc.,Menlo Park, California, United States), to extract qualitative data related to the relationship between social media, the epidemiological variables, and melanoma-associated/sun protection behaviors. The inclusion criteria comprised constant Facebook and Instagram users, aged between 18-65. The study included 221 individuals, primarily aged 26 to 35 (47.1%), mostly females (77.82%). Urban dwellers (>200,000 inhabitants) constituted the majority (71.94%), contrasting with a small rural representation (3.61%). Nearly half actively followed medical educational content online (44.79%), while 12.66% avoided online medical advice. Sun-protective habits were prevalent, with 80.99% using SPF (sun protection factor), 54.29% wearing UV-filter (ultraviolet-filter) sunglasses, and 53.84% avoiding sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. Respondents rated sun-protective measures, with the highest average for avoiding sun exposure during peak hours being 7.3 on a scale of 1 to 10. Dermatological advice from social media influenced behaviors, such as SPF use (50.67%) and sun exposure avoidance (45.7%). Dermatological check-ups were infrequent, with 49.32% sporadically visiting a dermatologist. Dermoscopic evaluations were rare (36.66%), with 27.14% using it preventively. Personal and family history of dysplastic nevi and melanoma were low. This study provides insights into the dermatological behaviors and education of individuals engaging with social media medical content. The results suggestthat constant users of social media harbor a receptive attitude towarddermatological advice provided on specific platforms, hencecreating an ideal environment for further dissemination and organization of online skin cancer awareness campaigns.

Abstract A009: Engaging Latino communities to develop a skin cancer intervention: A qualitative exploration

Abstract Introduction: In the past two decades, melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) incidence among Latinos has risen by 20%. Despite the lower incidence rate of skin cancers among Latinos compared to Caucasians, the mortality rate of Latinos is higher. However, skin cancer is understudied among Latinos and they were less likely to engage in skin cancer preventive behaviors. This qualitative study explored Latinos’ beliefs and behaviors related to skin cancer and their interest in a skin cancer intervention from both community members and key stakeholders. Methods: Latinos were recruited in New Jersey through community organizations and social media posts (n=34; 11 Spanish-preferring and 23 English-preferring) for focus group discussions. Five focus groups (2 in Spanish and 3 in English) were conducted, where participants discussed their perceptions and behaviors about skin cancer, sun protection, skin self-examination, culture and lifestyles, and their recommendations for a mobile skin cancer intervention. Additionally, healthcare providers (n=4) and Latino community leaders (n=5) were recruited for individual interviews to complement the results of focus groups. A thematic analysis was conducted on all transcripts. Results: Focus group participants aged from 18 to 73 (M=33.44), 50% were female (n=17), 29.4% (n=10) had a household income below $25000, and 32.3% (n=11) had less than a college degree. Awareness of and knowledge about skin cancer, sun protection, and skin examination were low overall. All participants indicated that skin cancer communication is rare among Latinos. There was consensus among the findings of the focus groups and key stakeholder interviews. Perceived barriers included: 1) limited access (e.g., health insurance); 2) low awareness or knowledge (e.g., don’t know efficient sun protection methods or what to look for in skin self-examination); 3) misperception (e.g., dark skin won’t get skin cancer). Salient facilitators included: 1) care for family (e.g., sunscreen for children and parents); 2) consequences (e.g., worry and fear of aging or death, sunburns); 3) coverage or access (e.g., good insurance). Social media usage was prevalent in many households, with WhatsApp and Facebook being popular platforms for communication with family and friends, as well as for discussing health-related topics. The consensus regarding intervention messages was that visuals and clear/simple messages featuring Latinos would be effective in educating about skin cancer and promoting behavior change. As complementary findings, key stakeholders indicated that educating the women in the family on sun safety behaviors, involving local Latino organizations, and delivering messages from physicians directly would be effective. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of skin cancer education within the Latino community, particularly due to low awareness and misperception of skin cancer, sun protection, and skin examination. Social media present a promising way to reach Latinos through culturally-centered and mobile-based interventions. Citation Format: Zhaomeng Niu, Aarthi Shanmugavel, Yonaira Rivera, Carolina Lozada, Emily Peters, Carolyn Heckman. Engaging Latino communities to develop a skin cancer intervention: A qualitative exploration [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A009.

Skin Cancer Awareness and Knowledge About Sun Protection Practices in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Patient Survey Study.

Adequate sun protection practices in chronically immunosuppressed patients can minimize the burden of the most common type of skin cancer in this population. In addition, early recognition of skin cancer by patients can lead to decreased morbidity, and possibly mortality from the disease. Nevertheless, there are significant gaps in the knowledge of sun protection measures and early recognition of skin cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) for developing skin cancer and their sun exposure education and behavior post-transplantation. This study evaluates the responses of 107 SOTRs on their outlooks and beliefs of sunscreen usage, skin cancer, and sun exposure knowledge. Our study identified several significant risk factors for the development of actinic keratosis or keratinocyte carcinoma in SOTRs including history of sunburn before age 18, blue eyes, history of tanning bed use, performing monthly skin exams, ability to identify precancerous skin lesions, and history of previous skin examinations. A patient-centered approach needs to be used to properly educate patients on effective ways to reduce excessive sun exposure. Regular skin examinations, and patients continued education are necessary components in reducing the burden of skin cancer in SOTRs.

Correlation between Clinical and Pathological Diagnosis of Eyelid Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC occurrence is high in the Upper Galilee. Early detection and biopsy sampling can improve cure percentage. Promotion of skin cancer awareness, especially regarding BCC, is mandated in the Upper Galilee population

Assessing the impact of the skin cancer awareness now (SCAN!) intervention several months following the intervention

BackgroundWest Virginia (WV) is the third most rural state in the US and has a high incidence of skin cancer. Intervention efforts in WV are impeded by structural barriers, low health literacy, and lack of health care access. Community pharmacies and pharmacists are highly accessible and may be helpful in promoting skin cancer prevention. Objective(s)The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of the Skin Cancer Awareness Now (SCAN!) pharmacy-based sun-safety intervention at follow-up. MethodsSurveys assessed SCAN’s effect on skin cancer prevention at preintervention and follow-up. The follow-up survey was administered between 8 and 12 months after our initial feasibility study. Questions included demographics, cancer history, cancer worry, knowledge, cancer communication, and skin cancer screening intentions. Multivariate repeated measures ANOVA assessed the change in worry, importance, knowledge, and intentions to be sun safe. ResultsParticipants (n=56, response rate= 62.2%) had a mean age of 44.7 (standard deviation: 19.3) years. Most were females (87.5%), Whites (92.9%), and 48.2% lived in rural areas. Knowledge and intentions significantly improved over time. At follow-up, participants (41.1%) mentioned that they plan on discussing skin cancer prevention with their pharmacist in the future. ConclusionThe SCAN! intervention can be a useful resource for skin cancer prevention in community pharmacy settings. Community pharmacies have the potential to be change agents in skin cancer prevention by providing education on sun protection or detection and by promoting sun-safety behaviors.

Keeping up with melanoma: celebrity influence on skin cancer awareness.

A prominent celebrity’s disclosure of a facial melanoma diagnosis in April 2023 garnered widespread media attention, emphasizing the importance of self-skin assessment and timely dermatologist consultations for changing pigmented lesions. The disclosure had unexpected positive effects on public health, including increased awareness, early detection and reduced stigma, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with melanoma and skin cancer.

41696 Assessing the Impact of a Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Awareness Program in GED Students

41696 Assessing the Impact of a Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Awareness Program in GED Students

Skincare from the inside out: a pilot project addressing social determinants of health through dermatology.

Many women's shelters across the nation have programs that emphasize and empower women through career workshops and skills training. However, what is not typically addressed is their dermatological and mental health needs, which are equally important. Through this pilot project, we aim to address the diverse interrelated issues concerning the whole woman and her body/mind systems including skin cancer awareness, skincare, healthy sun habits, self-esteem, mental health, and stress management. By addressing the woman holistically, we hope to positively impact the way she views and values herself. We partnered with a local women's shelter to host a seminar focused on dermatological and mental health education. Pre- and post-seminar surveys were collected from participants. Surveys were anonymous and aimed to evaluate the success and efficiency of the workshop to guide and improve future seminars. The seminar had three workshops: skin cancer and sun protection, skincare, and mental health and wellness. Upon completion of the seminar, the attendees were provided with the opportunity to receive free skin examinations by two board-certified dermatologists, and referrals were made to Northeast Ohio Medical University's Student-Run Free Clinic. Upon completion of the seminar, attendees were provided with items such as sunscreen, skincare, and mental health resources. The "Skincare from the Inside Out" pilot project proved to be beneficial to residents of both Norma Herr Women's Shelter. Limitations of this study were the small sample size (n = 15), due to participation limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, to reduce the morbidity and mortality of dermatologic conditions associated with homelessness, it is imperative to address upstream social determinants of health. Future development of this pilot project will aim toward educating medical professionals on the unique and complex dermatologic and mental health needs of women experiencing homelessness.

BI14 Photoprotection and skin cancer awareness in kidney transplant recipients living with HIV: a single-centre cross-sectional study

Abstract Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are up to 65 times more likely to develop nonmelanoma skin cancers than age-matched general populations. HIV has also been associated with increased skin cancer rates. However, to date, there has been no study evaluating photoprotection and skin cancer awareness in KTRs living with HIV (KTRLHIV). Using validated photoprotection and skin cancer awareness questionnaires, we evaluated knowledge and practices in KTRLHIV and an HIV-negative KTR cohort, matched for age, sex, ethnicity and years since transplant. KTRLHIV (n = 27) and matched HIV-negative KTRs (n = 25) completed the questionnaires. Thirty-four (65%) were male and 37 (71%) were Black. The average age was 56 years (range 43–74). On average, patients were 7.3 years post-transplant (range 0.7–24). Twenty-two (81%) KTRLHIV vs. 15 (60%) matched HIV-negative KTRs had not seen a dermatologist in the last year. Only 14 (52%) KTRLHIV had received sun protection advice vs. 20 (80%) of the matched KTRs (P = 0.033). There were statistically significant lower rates of overall sunscreen use in KTRLHIV compared with matched HIV-negative KTRs (33% vs. 60%; P = 0.054). Only a small proportion used sunscreen daily (22% vs. 27%), of a sun protection factor &amp;gt; 25 (78% vs. 100%). A strongly positive tetrachoric correlation coefficient of 0.77 indicated that providing photoprotection advice correlates to sunscreen use. Significantly lower rates of photoprotection behaviours were seen in the KTRLHIV compared with HIV-negative KTRs, particularly never avoiding direct sunlight (59% vs. 16%; P = 0.001) and never dressing to protect from the sun (52% vs. 12%; P = 0.002). We have identified statistically significant lower knowledge of photoprotection and skin cancer awareness in KTRLHIV vs. matched HIV-negative KTRs. Lower rates of skin cancer protection advice may have resulted in lower rates of sunscreen use and poorer photoprotection behaviours in KTRLHIV. A dedicated skin cancer awareness education to promote patient-led skin cancer prevention alongside formal dermatology referral is recommended.

Keratinocyte carcinomas, area-level socioeconomic status and geographic remoteness in Tasmania: cross-sectional associations and temporal trends

ObjectiveThis article aims to examine cross-sectional associations and assess temporal trends in keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) incidence by area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and geographic remoteness in Tasmania, Australia. MethodsKCs—basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—registered by the Tasmanian Cancer Registry were assigned to area-level SES and remoteness area. Incidence rate ratios (2014–2018) were estimated using Poisson regression. Average annual percentage changes (2001–2018) were estimated using the Joinpoint Regression Program. ResultsBCC incidence increased with increasing area-level advantage (p value for trend <0.001), but no trend was found for SCC. SCC incidence was higher in rural than urban areas (p value <0.001), and BCC incidence was slightly lower in rural than urban areas for males (p value = 0.026), but not for females (p value = 0.381). BCC and SCC incidence increased between 2001 and the mid-2010s, when it peaked across most areas. ConclusionsAssociations were found between BCC and higher area-level SES, and between SCC and geographic remoteness. The findings suggest differences in sun exposure behaviours, skin cancer awareness and access to services, or ascertainment bias. Implications for public healthEfforts to control and deliver KC services in Tasmania should consider targeting populations with specific area-level characteristics.

The impact of a novel digital sun protection campaign on sun‐related attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers: A prospective observational study

AbstractBackground13 000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in Ireland, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure the strongest risk factor. Public health primary prevention campaigns focus on encouraging safe sun protective measures and skin cancer awareness. We designed a novel, digitally‐animated hospital‐based campaign targeting all aspects of sun‐protective behaviour.ObjectivesTo explore the sun‐protective attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers, and the effect of a digital hospital‐based campaign on these findings.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional prospective observational study involving hospital staff across the six hospitals that form the University of Limerick Hospital Group (ULHG). A two‐phase online survey, the first taking place before campaign launch, and the second upon campaign completion. The digital campaign was displayed across all hospital sites from June to September 2021. Surveys comprised questions on sun‐related attitudes and behaviours, including the internationally validated Sun Exposure Protection Index (SEPI) questionnaire.ResultsEight hundred fifty‐seven staff members completed survey 1 and 704 completed survey 2; 90% in each were female; 79% were aged 25–54; 71% reported skin types I–III. Best sun‐protective habits pre‐campaign included sunscreen use and avoiding sunburn, while wearing hats, protective clothing and seeking shade were least adopted. For 177 matched participants, there were small improvements in SEPI scores. SEPI Part 1 scores, reflecting improved risk behaviour, pre‐campaign had a median of 11 (IQR 7), and 11 (IQR 6) post campaign. SEPI Part 2 scores, reflecting readiness to adopt sun‐protective behaviours, improved from median 7 (IQR 8) to 6 (IQR 6). Post‐campaign, small improvements were seen across some individual sun‐protective behaviours and attitudes, particularly reducing time spent in the midday sun and on sun‐seeking holidays, and improved readiness to seek shade and reduce sunbathing; 79% of all respondents post‐campaign (n = 556) reported raised skin cancer awareness, and 65% (n = 458) said it influenced them to discuss sun protection with others.ConclusionsPositive improvements in attitudes and behaviours related to sun protection were seen following the digital campaign in this population of healthcare workers. These improvements along with increased willingness to discuss sun protection with others, including patients, has the potential to further benefit wider society, and supports future digital health promotion initiatives.