title: A Qualitative Exploration of Latinos' Perceptions About Skin Cancer: the Role of Gender and Linguistic Acculturation.
abstract: Latinos have the highest rate of skin cancers among U.S. minorities. Despite a rising incidence of melanoma-the deadliest form of skin cancer-and greater disease burden, Latinos tend to have poor awareness of skin cancer risk factors which may inhibit preventive action. We expanded on prior work by qualitatively examining potential moderators (i.e., gender, acculturation) of skin cancer perceptions among Latinos from El Barrio in Harlem, New York City. Four focus groups stratified by language (English/Spanish) and gender were conducted. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Thirty-eight self-identified Latinos (32 % male) participated. Across groups, median age was 35 years; 50 % completed <high school degree, 82 % had annual incomes ≤$29,999, and 55 % were born in Mexico. Mean acculturation level was 8.5 (SD = 3.9, range = 4-20). Major themes included (1) knowledge of common skin cancer risk factors, (2) acknowledgment of personal risk although lighter-skin individuals are at greater risk, and (3) awareness of effective risk reduction methods, despite the presence of fatalistic beliefs. Compared to males, females discussed tanning norms and appearance-based factors, identified children as vulnerable, highlighted the benefits of sun exposure, and wanted more information. Few linguistic acculturation patterns were noted; English speakers questioned the carcinogenic effect of sunscreen and reported more skin cancer-related physician discussions than Spanish speakers. Despite generally low acculturation, Latinos correctly identified skin cancer risk factors and agreed that it is preventable with engagement in risk-reducing behaviors. Future educational interventions must capitalize upon and reinforce such beliefs and address fatalistic perceptions which may hinder prevention efforts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA. rodrigv4@mskcc.org.
authors.forename: Vivian M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
authors.forename: Elyse
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shuk
authors.affiliation: Harlem Residency in Family Medicine, The Institute for Family Health, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Guedy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Arniella
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
authors.forename: C Javier
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: González
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gany
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
authors.forename: Jada G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Geoffrey S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Gold
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hay
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: Acculturation; Gender differences; Latinos; Perceptions; Qualitative; Skin cancer