Skin Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Collegiate Athletes

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.

Skin Cancer Risk-Lowering Behaviors and Skincare Habits of Youth Ages 18-25 Years

“…When comparing the data with the demographics, it was found that the participant's age did not influence the sun protective behaviors, knowledge, or attitude. Those with a darker pigmentation knew less about skin cancer risk factors than Caucasians (Hobbs et al, 2014). It was found that race did not influence sun protective behaviors or attitude toward skin cancer.…”

“…This study compared the demographic information with the level of knowledge and level of protective behaviors. Given that the most modifiable risk factor for skin cancer is controlling the amount of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), effective methods for lowering UVR are as follows: limiting exposure during midday, wearing sunglasses, wearing protective clothing and hats, seeking shade during midday, and wearing sunscreens with SPF 30 or more (Hobbs et al, 2014). Through this study, it was found that most collegiate athletes were not protecting themselves against the sun.…”

“…It was also found that although patients with high-risk for skin cancer were exposed to more information regarding these prevention practices, usually through education given by their doctor, these same high-risk patients had the poorest preventative behaviors (Bertolin et al, 2015). Hobbs, Nahar, Ford, Bass, and Brodell (2014) compared the level of knowledge concerning skin cancer risk-lowering behaviors to actual practices in collegiate athletes. This study compared the demographic information with the level of knowledge and level of protective behaviors.…”

“…However, most collegiate athletes also lacked basic knowledge in this area. Less than 50% knew to reapply sunscreen while in the sun or to apply 15-30 minutes prior to going out in the sun (Hobbs et al, 2014). Many people chose not to wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen when out in the sun.…”

“…Early detection is key to effective treatment. Many participants did not apply sunscreen when they went outdoors, even though this is possibly the best option for athletes who wear athletic gear and do not have the option of wearing protective clothing (Hobbs et al, 2014).…”