Skin Cancer Knowledge Levels and Sun Protection Behaviors of Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate adults' knowledge of skin cancer and their sun protection behaviors. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study was carried out between August and September 2022 using a survey. In the survey, sociodemographic variables, skin cancer risk factors, Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale (SCSKS) and Sun Protection Behavior Scale (SPBS) were included. Results: A total of 511 participants were included. The mean SCSKS score of the participants was 15.4 +/- 3.2. The mean SPBS score was 25.0 +/- 6.3. The findings indicated that younger individuals, females, those with higher education, fair skin, shorter sun exposure, and those who performed skin selfexaminations or considered themselves at risk had significantly higher knowledge levels. The most common sun protection behavior was avoiding sun exposure, and only 17.4% of participants performed skin self-examinations. Conclusion: The findings indicated that adults' knowledge of skin cancer and their sun protection behaviors were limited. Females, individuals with higher levels of education, and those with fairer skin exhibited greater knowledge of skin cancer and engaged in more sun protection behaviors.