title: Gender-Based Differences and Barriers in Skin Protection Behaviors in Melanoma Survivors.
abstract: Purpose. Skin protection behaviors and environmental exposure play a crucial role in the development and subsequent management of melanoma. This study investigates gender-based differences in skin protection behaviors after melanoma treatment. Methods. Patients diagnosed and surgically treated for cutaneous melanomas over the last six years in a geographically high risk area were surveyed over telephone using a standardized script. Results. Of 150 survey results obtained, there were 82 males and 68 females. Overall, 87% of participants reported skin self-examination for abnormal markings more often and 94% reported wearing skin protective clothing more often, with females being more than males. Females limited outdoor activity more often than males, 79% to 54%, p < 0.05. When outside, females sought shade more often than males, 75% to 56%, p < 0.05. However, males wore a wide brim hat more often than females, 52% to 28%, p < 0.05. Interestingly, 60% of participants reported wearing SPF 30 sunscreen less often, p < 0.05. Conclusion. Larger percentage of females adopted behavioral changes to prevent future melanoma. Those living in high risk areas and with outdoor occupations need particular attention to skin care. Population based screening should be adopted to deal with this rising public health crisis.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0448-1820
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0828-7929
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6390-4299
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7043-0696
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mullane
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-4234-3648
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Nail
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8861-5063
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1400 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
authors.forename: Subhasis
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7538-0824
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Misra