Skin cancer knowledge and prevention practices: Turkish Bus Drivers

Author(s):  
Nukhet Kirag ◽  
Serap Gokce Eskin

Abstract Objective: To determine skin cancer knowledge levels and prevention practices among bus drivers. Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted in Ayd?n province, western Turkey, from April to June 2018, and comprised bus drivers who came to the primary health centre. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire based on sociodemographic characteristics and the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 16. Results: There were 125 male bus drivers with a mean age of 42.0±9.1 years. There was a significant relationship between history of skin cancer in the family and the presence of freckles (p<0.05). Those who were exposed to the sun for one or two hours a day scored higher on the knowledge scale than those with a sun exposure of >2 hours a day  (p<0.05). Conclusion: The bus drivers did not have enough knowledge about the critical significance of skin cancer. Key Words: Sun protection, Drivers, Skin, Cancer, Turkey. Continuous...

Dermatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 236 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Reato Marçon ◽  
José Cassio Moraes ◽  
Marcus Antonio Maia de Olivas Ferreira ◽  
Camilla Bilac Oliari

Introduction: Oculocutaneous albinism is an autosomal recessive disease caused by complete absence of or decrease in melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes. Due to the reduction or absence of melanin, albinos are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and are at greater risk of actinic damage and skin cancer. There are no epidemiological data on the incidence of albinism in Brazil. Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with albinism treated by the Pró-Albino Program of the Dermatology Clinic of Santa Casa de Misericórdia from its beginning in 2010 until 2017. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the records of all consecutive albino patients admitted to the service in the study period were reviewed. Sociodemographic data, family history, and dermatological clinical data were collected. Results: Between March 2010 and April 2017, 191 patients were admitted, of whom 109 were female (57.07%) and the age range was 0–92 years, with >30% under the age of 18 years. Consanguinity among the parents was confirmed by 26% of the patients. Unprotected sun exposure was reported by 109 (57.07%), and 138 (72.25%) had a history of sunburn. Of the 146 records with information, 38 had skin cancer (26%), with a mean age of 47.4 (p < 0.0001); the youngest patient diagnosed with a cutaneous tumor was 23 years old. The prevalence of actinic damage was high. There was information on solar elastosis and actinic keratosis in 148 medical records, of which 96 (64.8%) patients had elastosis and 75 (50.67%) keratoses. Elastosis, keratosis, and skin cancer were significantly associated with age, unprotected sun exposure, and sunburn (p < 0.05). Of the 37 (26% of the sample of 146) patients with a previous or current history of skin cancer, it was possible to identify the histological type in 29 (13 men and 16 women); of these, 18 (62%) were basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 15 (51%) were squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and 2 (7%) were melanomas. Of these, 4 cases (14%) presented the 2 types of carcinoma (BCC and SCC), and the 2 that had a diagnosis of melanoma also had BCC. Some patients had multiple ulcerated tumors. The tumor site was preferentially in the head and neck (43%), trunk (37%) and limbs (20%). Conclusions: Albinos represent a risk group for skin cancer and other actinic lesions. These lesions were found to be prevalent in the albinos seen by the program and probably reflect the characteristics found in the Brazilian albino population. Access to health care, especially through multidisciplinary programs that enable the diagnosis and early treatment of these lesions, health education, and the use of photoprotective measures can reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life of patients with this rare genetic condition.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Awatef kelati ◽  
Hanane Baybay ◽  
Mariam Atassi ◽  
Samira Elfakir ◽  
Salim Gallouj ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Shiwani Gupta ◽  
Animesh Gupta ◽  
M. Nehal ◽  
Kalyani Pandey ◽  
Ananta Kreesna ◽  
...  

Background: Cataract is considered as one of the most common causes of visual impairment and the leading cause of blindness in the world. Age related cataract occurs in people above 50 years of age and the its pathogenesis is multifactorial. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for cataract.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted among adults residing at urban areas of South Bihar. The data was collected by interview method, using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which contains socio-demographic data, dietary habits, history of diabetes or hypertension, family history of cataract and long-term sun exposure.Results: Among 240 participants, 94 (39.2%) were male and 146 (60.8%) were female. Maximum participants were aged more than 70 years. The prevalence of cataract was 52.1%.Conclusions: The prevalence of cataract was quite high and was significantly associated with age, long term sun exposure and family history of cataract.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Marc Rocholl ◽  
Julia Hannappel ◽  
Michaela Ludewig ◽  
Swen Malte John

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the most important risk factor for developing skin cancer. University students can be considered as a particularly high-risk group for long- and short-term adverse effects of UVR due to intensive solar UVR exposure and high rates of sunburn. While validated questionnaires for assessing solar UVR exposure and sun protection behavior are available in German, a questionnaire for assessing the level of knowledge about this topic is still missing. We conducted a literature search for cross-sectional studies assessing skin cancer and sun protection knowledge among university students in Medline (via PubMed) and analyzed existing questionnaires and topics contained therein. We chose to translate the “Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale” referring to the TRAPD method into the German language and pilot-tested the translation with an opportunity sample of German students. The literature search revealed 36 eligible studies. Four major topics were identified within the studies: knowledge on skin cancer, risk factors, UVR, and sun protection measures. One hundred and seven German university students (86.0% female) with a mean age of 26.25 years (SD ± 4.58; range: 19–46) participated in our pilot study. The internal reliability of the scale was KR-20 = 0.624. We discovered an improvable level of knowledge in terms of skin cancer among the study population. Statistical analyses revealed no significant associations between the level of knowledge and UVR exposure or tanning behavior, respectively. The skin cancer and sun protection knowledge of German university students should be examined thoroughly. While the psychometric properties of the SCSK require further thorough investigation, first empirical experiences indicate the suitability of the tool to assess the level of knowledge regarding skin cancer and sun protection.


PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo ◽  
Sara J. Burgos-Muñoz ◽  
Luz M. Vargas-Tineo ◽  
Jhosuny Perez-Fernandez ◽  
Otto W. Vargas-Tineo ◽  
...  

Background Skin cancer incidence has increased over the last years, becoming a major public health problem. Objective To describe the awareness, behavior and attitudes concerning sun exposure among beachgoers in the northern coast of Peru. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Pimentel beach, Peru. The “Beach Questionnaire” was used and we surveyed all the beachgoers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from March 5 to March 19. For the statistical analysis, sun exposure habits, sunburns history, knowledge, attitudes and practices were crossed with sex using the chi2 test. Results We surveyed 410 beachgoers, the most frequent phototype was type III (40.5%). Only the 13.66% of the respondents correctly answered the seven knowledge questions related to sun exposure and skin cancer. Men more frequently agreed that “when they are tanned their clothes looks nicer” (p = 0.048). Likewise, regarding the questions “Sunbathing is relaxing” and “Sunbathing improves my mood”, men agreed or totally agreed with more frequency than women (63.64% vs. 46.15%, p < 0.001; and 61.36% vs 49.15%, p = 0.014, respectively). Regarding sun protection practices, women more frequently used sunshade (p = 0.001) and sunscreen (SPF ≥ 15) (p < 0.001) when compared to the male group. Conclusion Sun exposure is a potentially preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Thus, awareness of the risks of UVR overexposure and adequate sun-protective behaviors and attitudes are essential. Our results, however, are not as favorable as expected. Public health efforts should encourage sun-safety precautions and intervention campaigns should be carried out in recreational settings, such as the beaches.


Author(s):  
N Blázquez-Sánchez ◽  
F Rivas-Ruiz ◽  
S Bueno-Fernández ◽  
M T Fernández-Morano ◽  
S Arias-Santiago ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Scholar photoprotection campaigns are among the most effective strategies for preventing skin cancer. Analysis of the target population constitutes a valuable starting point for the implementation of primary prevention strategies. Our aim is to study photoprotection habits, attitudes and knowledge among a Spanish school community. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study targeting schoolchildren, parents and teachers at 20 schools in the area of the Costa del Sol Health Agency in southern Spain. Two population-specific, validated questionnaires were used: the CHRESI (for children aged 0–10 years) and CHACES Questionnaire(for adults and adolescents aged &gt; 11 years). We collected demographic data, skin colour, skin phototype, sunburn episodes, sun exposure and photoprotection practices, attitudes and knowledge. Results 1728 questionnaires were analyzed (22% parents, 14.5% teachers, 44.8% adolescents and 18.6% children). The average ages were 8 years (children), 16 years (adolescents), 39 years (teachers) and 42 years (parents). Globally, the predominant features were: male sex (52%), Spanish nationality (92%) and phototypes II–III (61%). Children, followed by adolescents, reported the highest exposure to the sun, both in frequency and in duration. Adolescents had the higher rate of sunburn (75%), followed by parents/teachers (54.1%) and children (44.1%). Children and their parents were the most likely to adopt photoprotection measures, while adolescents presented more risky attitudes. Knowledge regarding photoprotection was acceptable (6.9/10). Conclusions This study highlights the need to improve photoprotection knowledge, habits and attitudes among our target population. Scholars, parents and teachers in our area should be addressed in campaigns to promote healthy sun exposure habits, thus reducing skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality in this region.


Author(s):  
Rashmi Ahuja ◽  
Priyanka Sharma ◽  
Raina Chawla

Background: Pregnancy creates an important opportunity to screen the cervix for neoplastic and infectious diseases and to spread awareness. A pap smear is simple, cost effective and safe in pregnancy. In low resource countries, this may be the only opportunity when the woman visits a health centre.  It also helps identify and treat infections that could hamper the pregnancy outcome. Objective of the study is to determine the awareness of pap smear as a cervical cancer screening test in antenatal women; to determine the incidence of cervical neoplasia and premalignant lesions of the cervix in antenatal women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2018 to April 2019. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women in the first trimester. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy greater than 12 weeks, symptoms of vaginal infection, history of sexual intercourse or vaginal medication or bleeding in the last 48 hours or a normal pap smear in the last 3 years. The reporting was done as per Bethesda 2014.Results: 308 women underwent a pap smear in their 1st trimester. 94% were satisfactory smears and 3(0.9%) an abnormal smear (2 LSIL and 1 ASCUS). 31.2% had inflammatory smears. Only 15 women were aware of pap smear as a test for cancer cervix screening and all these women were graduates and above. No women had ever had a pap smear test in the past. One fifth of women studied had 1 or more risk factor the commonest being early age at first intercourse.Conclusions: The antenatal period should be utilized as an opportunity to screen women for cancer cervix.


Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Adam S. Tenforde ◽  
Michael Fredericson ◽  
Kierann E. S. Toth ◽  
Kristin L. Sainani

Sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer. Knowledge and behaviors around sun exposure protective measures are poorly described in athletes including runners. Our primary objective was to describe sun exposure behaviors and knowledge in a population of runners. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 697 runners to measure the frequency of seven sun protective behaviors: sunscreen use on the face or body; wearing a hat, sunglasses, or long sleeves; running in shade; and avoidance of midday running. Between 54% and 84% of runners reported that they engaged in these behaviors at least sometimes, but only 7% to 45% reported frequent use. Of 525 runners who gave a primary reason for not using sunscreen regularly, 49.0% cited forgetfulness; 17.3% cited discomfort; and only a small percentage cited maintaining a tan (6.1%) or optimizing vitamin D (5.1%). Of 689 runners who responded to a question about what factor most influences their overall sun exposure habits, 39.2% cited fear of skin cancer, 28.7% cited comfort level, and 15.8% cited fear of skin aging. In addition to the seven individual behaviors, we also asked runners how frequently they took precautions to protect against the sun overall. We explored associations between participant characteristics and the overall use of sun protection using ordinal logistic regression. Overall, sun protection was used more frequently in runners who were female, older, or had a history of skin cancer. Runners appear to recognize the importance of sun protection and the potential consequences of not using it, but report forgetfulness and discomfort as the biggest barriers to consistent use. Interventions using habit-formation strategies and self-regulation training may prove to be most useful in closing this gap between knowledge and practice.


Author(s):  
Akshy Kumar ◽  
Mukul Sharma

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Melasma is an acquired increased pigmentation of the skin, characterized by gray-brown symmetrical patches, mostly in the sun-exposed areas of the skin.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The proposed study is an epidemiological cross sectional study which was carried out in the department of dermatology in a teaching institute from October 2007 to September 2008 at Pramukh Swami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat. A total of 60 patients were enrolled for the study over a period of one year.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The main age group affected was 30-39 years i.e. 48.33% patients. 50 patients were females.18 patients had a positive family history of melasma. 12 patients had a positive history of using OC Pills. Malar region was the commonest affected area found in 52 patients followed by Centro-facial in 31 and least involvement was seen in forehead region in 24 patients. 20 patients reported association of occurrence of the lesions with pregnancy, 09 patients reported sunlight to be the offending agent.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Females were affected more commonly during their late third decade of life. Although we did not find the exact cause of melasma, we noticed that sun-exposure, pregnancy, and taking of oral contraceptive pills could precipitate or exacerbate the melasma.</p>


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