Sun protection--do we know enough?
BACKGROUND
Sun protection, particularly the appropriate use of sunscreens is an important modifiable risk factor in the prevention of skin cancers. Our aim was to assess the current knowledge levels regarding sun protection, across plastic surgeons in the UK.


METHODS
A 12-point questionnaire based on the points contained in the patient information packs on sun protection produced by the British Association of Dermatology was circulated electronically amongst 551 BAPRAS members. We received 73 responses (13.3%). Questions were formulated around the basic information patients would expect to receive from a skin cancer specialist at the time of the diagnosis.


RESULTS
On average, participants could answer only 52.4% of the questions correctly. Only 9.7% (95% CI 3-17) of participants could accurately quantify the role of UV exposure in causation of melanoma. A total of 37.5% correctly identified the duration of action of sunscreen to be 3-4 h. Half of the participants were not aware that geographical conditions like altitude and latitude, as well as shade, could alter sun protection. A similar number could not answer questions related to the protective action of clothing.


CONCLUSIONS
As principal stakeholders in the treatment and outcomes of skin cancer patients, plastic surgeons could be at the forefront of influencing patients' behaviour regarding sun protection measures. The results demonstrate a need for better awareness and education regarding the knowledge of sunscreens and UV protection. Improved education would lead to health benefits for patients and their relatives and influence the primary prevention of this enlarging health issue of skin cancer.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom. ashish_magdum@yahoo.com
Ashish
A
Magdum
Francesca
F
Leonforte
Edwina
E
McNaughton
Jong
J
Kim
Tejal
T
Patel
Richard
R
Haywood
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003880:Dermatology / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
D013473:Sunscreening Agents