A Qualitative Exploration of Latinos’ Perceptions About Skin Cancer: the Role of Gender and Linguistic Acculturation

Abstract

Latinos have the highest rate of skin cancers among U.S. minorities. Despite a rising incidence of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – and greater disease burden, Latinos tend to have poor awareness of skin cancer risk factors which may inhibit preventive action. We expanded on prior work by qualitatively examining potential moderators (i.e., gender, acculturation) of skin cancer perceptions among Latinos from El Barrio in Harlem, New York. Four focus groups stratified by language (English/Spanish) and gender were conducted. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Thirty-eight self-identified Latinos (32% male) participated. Across groups, median age was 35 years; 50% completed < high school degree, 82% had annual incomes ≤$29,999, and 55% were born in Mexico. Mean acculturation level was 8.5 (SD=3.9, range=4–20). Major themes included: (1) knowledge of common skin cancer risk factors, (2) acknowledgment of personal risk although lighter skin individuals are at greater risk, and (3) awareness of effective risk-reduction methods, despite presence of fatalistic beliefs. Compared to males, females discussed tanning norms and appearance-based factors; identified children as vulnerable; highlighted the benefits of sun-exposure; and, wanted more information. Few linguistic acculturation patterns were noted; English-speakers questioned the carcinogenic effect of sunscreen and reported more skin cancer-related physician discussions than Spanish-speakers. Despite generally low acculturation, Latinos correctly identified skin cancer risk factors and agreed that it is preventable with engagement in risk-reducing behaviors. Future educational interventions must capitalize upon and reinforce such beliefs and address fatalistic perceptions which may hinder prevention efforts.

Predictors of Sun Protective Behaviors among Latino Day Laborers

“…The findings that relate to health literacy and knowledge of skin cancer risk factors corroborate what other researchers have reported on Latinos: as a larger group, they do not possess a great deal of knowledge of skin cancer or its risk factors [ 52 ]. This is further exacerbated by lower levels of health literacy, lower incomes, low levels of education, and lack of access to health insurance coverage.…”

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“…This behavior extends to Hispanics of varying skin types 7 , and Hispanics in the United States have high sunburn rates 8 . Lower skin cancer awareness and perceived skin cancer risk have been identified as particular barriers to adequate and consistent sun protection in Hispanics 3,9-12 . Personalized genomic testing for melanoma risk may promote risk awareness and risk reduction in the general population, including Hispanics.…”

Bioactivity of betulinic acid nanoemulsions on skin carcinogenesis in transgenic mice K14E6

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“…It is characterized by a deregulation of cell growth and proliferation (Diaz-Cano, 2015). It is estimated that by 2025 the incidence per year will reach 19.3 million (Bishayee and Block, 2015) and it has been documented that melanoma-type skin cancer is associated with higher morbidity in Latino populations (Rodríguez et al, 2018). In addition, the increase in the incidence of skin cancer is mainly attributable to prolonged periods of sun exposure.…”