Background:Skin cancer incidence is increasing alarmingly, despite current efforts
trying to improve its early detection. Community pharmacists have proven
success in implementing screening protocols for a number of diseases because
of their skills and easy access.Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of skin cancer risk factors and the
photoprotection habits with a questionnaire in community pharmacy users.Methods:A research group consisting of pharmacists and dermatologists conducted a
descriptive cross-sectional study to assess photoprotection habits and skin
cancer risk factors by using a validated questionnaire in 218 community
pharmacies in Barcelona from May 23rd to June 13th
2016. All participants received health education on photoprotection and skin
cancer prevention. Patients with ≥1 skin cancer risk factor were
referred to their physician, as they needed further screening of skin
cancer.Results:A total of 5,530 participants were evaluated. Of those, only 20.2%
participants had received a total body skin examination for skin cancer
screening in the past by a physician and 57.1% reported using a SPF
50+ sunscreen. 53.9% participants presented ≥1 skin cancer
risk factor: 11.8% participants reported having skin cancer familial
history and 6.2% reported skin cancer personal history; pharmacists
found ≥10 melanocytic nevi in 43.8% participants and
chronically sun-damaged skin in 21.4%. Lesions suspicious for
melanoma were reported in 10.9% of the participants and urgent
dermatological evaluation was recommended.Conclusions:Pharmacists can detect people with skin cancer risk factors amongst their
users. This intervention can be considered in multidisciplinary strategies
of skin cancer screening.