Avoiding Cutaneous Melanoma Requires Proper Sun Protection and a Correspondingly High Level of Education: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background/Aim: Cutaneous melanoma ranks 5th among all cancers in terms of estimated new case rates in men and women (6% and 4%, respectively). The most consistent known modifiable risk factor for a cancer of this severity is exposure to ultraviolet rays. In this study, we aimed to compare the sun protection knowledge, habits and behaviors of CM patients with healthy volunteers. In addition, we aimed to determine the level of change in sun protection attitude of CM patients before and after diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, the knowledge levels and habits of cutaneous melanoma patients regarding sun protection were questioned through surveys and compared with the control group. The surveys were developed taking into consideration the Turkish Dermatology Association's sun protection patient information recommendations. Results: The Male:Female (M: F) ratio of 86 melanoma patients was 1.52, and the median age was 51 ± 15 years. In the control group of 174 participants, the M:F ratio was 1.38 and the median age was 49 ± 10 years. The education level of melanoma patients was statistically significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Compared to melanoma patients, participants in the control group had more accurate information on 5 questions about sunscreen application methods (applying at least 30 min before sun exposure, renewing after 2–4 h in sunny environments, renewing after the sea/pool, renewing after sports, amount of application) (p < 0.001 for each of the 5 questions). Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that the education level in CM patients was statistically significantly lower than in the control group of similar age and gender. In addition, in the control group, parallel to the education level, the level of sun protection knowledge was higher, and sun avoidance/protection behaviors were closer to what they should be.