Pilot Study of Skin Cancer Risk Reduction Behaviors, Cancer Communication, and Skin Cancer Beliefs in Hispanics

Salina M. Torres; Marcel Ramos; Robert Leverence; Deborah Bowen; Marianne Berwick; Jennifer Hay

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v12i1.1560

Salina M. Torres Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of New Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7310-7544
Marcel Ramos Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3242-0582
Robert Leverence Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of New Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8907-7594
Deborah Bowen Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2420-4422
Marianne Berwick Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of New Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5062-2180
Jennifer Hay Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center & Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v12i1.1560

Abstract

Purpose: Given rising rates of deadly melanoma skin cancer in Hispanics, the study objective was to examine skin cancer-related risk reduction behaviors and beliefs to dictate content for culturally targeted skin cancer prevention strategies for Hispanics. Methods/Data Source: An anonymous survey was administered to waiting room volunteers in a primary care facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico to assess skin cancer risk reduction behaviors, screening, cancer information seeking and communication, as well as skin cancer beliefs in Hispanics (n=48) and Non-Hispanic Whites (n=36). Results: We found lower levels of sun protection clothing use among Hispanics compared to Non-Hispanic Whites, but comparable use of sunscreen and shade-seeking among these groups. Hispanic ethnicity was the most important predictor of skin cancer misconceptions, with skin cancer information overload and misconceptions reported more often in Hispanics. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the need for culturally relevant information for ethnic minority populations such as Hispanics who have shown an increased risk of presenting with later stage, more aggressive melanoma skin cancer.