Skin cancer knowledge and preventive behaviors among patients with a recent history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate skin cancer knowledge and preventive behaviors of patients recently treated for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to examine the factors associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors.


METHODS
Telephone survey on 315 SCC patients treated at a large dermatological hospital in Italy, evaluating skin cancer knowledge, sun protection and skin examination practices as well as medical recommendations received after SCC removal.


RESULTS
Skin cancer knowledge was fair/low for 48.9% of the participants. Doctors were the main source of skin cancer information for 24.4% of the patients. Of the patients assessed >or=12 months after SCC removal, 32.7% reported a total skin examination after removal. Of the participants, 41.6% never/rarely used sunscreens. In a multivariate analysis, the likelihood of having complete skin examinations was associated with a doctor's advice to have an examination (odds ratio, OR = 2.29; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.2-4.4), a higher knowledge level (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.1-3.8) and past skin examinations (OR = 3.62; 95% CI = 1.9-7.0). Doctor's recommendations increased the likelihood of adopting preventive behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
We found substantial knowledge gaps and limited adoption of skin cancer prevention, highlighting the need for interventions promoting knowledge and preventive behaviors, particularly among higher-risk patients.
Renzi
Cristina
C
Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IRCCS), Rome, Italy. c.renzi@idi.it
Mastroeni
Simona
S
Mannooranparampil
Thomas J
TJ
Passarelli
Francesca
F
Caggiati
Alessio
A
Pasquini
Paolo
P
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007558:Italy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013473:Sunscreening Agents