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WASHINGTON (July 9, 2019) – According to researchers at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center, the sun safety practices of people participating in skin cancer screening events are different from those at large. public. The study was published in Drug Diary in Dermatology.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Appropriate sun protection practices, such as wearing sunscreen, looking for shade and wearing sun protective clothing, are essential to reduce the risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. , basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
As part of a random survey of six sites in Washington and participants in a free skin cancer screening event at GW, a team led by Emily Murphy, research fellow in the Department of Dermatology at GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, found that screening group respondents were significantly more likely to always wear sunscreen, to search for shade, and to always wear or sometimes wear sun protection clothing in relation to public group. These data suggest that people who do not usually attend free screenings may have greater gaps in sun protection knowledge and behavior, highlighting the need to reach these populations through different means. mechanisms. Survey responses were also badyzed by age and race to identify additional disparities. Participants identified as white were more likely to always or sometimes wear sunscreen and sunscreen than non-white participants. Patients over 61 years of age were more likely to always look for shade and wear sun protection than those under 31 years of age.
"These findings underscore the importance of customizing free skin cancer screening events for non-white populations and youth," said Adam Friedman, MD, acting director of the Department of Dermatology's the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and director of Supportive Oncodermatology. Clinic of GW Cancer Center, who was also the main author of the study. "While free screenings are important, we also need to think about holistic, community-based solutions that reach larger populations than skin cancer screening."
White participants participating in the study reported more burning sunburns than non-white participants, as well as more indoor tanning uses. However, the use of tanning indoors was the same among screening groups and the general public, indicating that all patients should be aware of the risks badociated with indoor tanning. The Community Prevention Services Working Group, an independent, non-federal group of experts in public health and prevention, recommends multi-component interventions that combine individual strategies, educational campaigns, and environmental change. or policies to influence sun protection behaviors. Other recommendations include educational and policy approaches in primary and outdoor settings.
"This study also highlights the importance of reaching non-white populations with skin cancer prevention messages," Friedman said. "We need to fight the myth that skin cancer only affects people with fair skin skin cancer does not discriminate, so we need to encourage sun protection practices among all people. "
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The article, titled "Comparison of Solar Safety Practices in a Representative Population of the General Public and Participants in a Screening Based Skin Cancer Screening", is published in the Drug Diary in Dermatology.
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