10 Jan In Global Survey, Risks of Sun Exposure and Tanning Not Well Known
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Sophie Seite
Sophie Seite, Ph. D
La Roche-Posay Dermatological Laboratories
Asnières, France.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: The survey included nearly 20,000 men and women in 23 countries, ages 16-65, and was primarily conducted online. The questionnaire collected data regarding demographics, sun exposure, behaviors regarding prevention and tanning, risk knowledge, self-examination, medical advice seeking, and social attitude. This unprecedented international survey on sun exposure behaviors and skin cancer detection found that there are many imperfections and geographical inequalities in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer.
The study was published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology by researchers from La Roche-Posay and the George Washington University (GW) Department of Dermatology. Survey results indicate that 88 percent of those questioned were aware of the risks of developing skin cancer when exposed without protection to the sun. However, just 1 in 2 respondents has ever consulted a dermatologist for a mole screening and 4 in 10 people don’t think to protect themselves from the sun outside of vacation.
There were also many regional differences. Inhabitants of countries in Southern and Western Europe were more likely than the average respondent to use sunscreen. In Latin America, sun avoidance was much more common. In Australia, respondents had a more diverse set of protective behaviors, which included trying to stay in the shade, wearing a hat, or wearing protective clothing. Those in Australia, Ireland, Brazil, and Greece were remarkably more informed than other survey participants about the risks and early signs of skin cancer. Conversely, those from Mexico, Russia, and Italy were among the least informed. Overall, Australia and Southern Europe exhibited higher rates of preventive behavior than average.
In North America, the survey included 1,005 respondents in Canada and 1,000 in the U.S. In terms of screening for melanoma, Americans perform slightly better than the average for other countries. Eighteen percent of U.S. respondents have their moles checked by a dermatologist at least once a year compared the country average of 11 percent. However, preventative protection habits in the U.S. are in line with the average observed, indicating more education on sun safety is needed.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from this report?
Response: This results of this report act as a global wake-up call for consumer and the sun care industry. There are still a lot of gaps in people not only actively monitoring for cancer, but preventing it – that need our attention. According to the data, using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses were the most frequent preventive measures. Education level, as well as gender, influenced the degree of sun protection: A higher level of education corresponded to a higher level of sun protection. Self-examination and consultation with a dermatologist were positively correlated with socioeconomic status and education level, as well. Women were found to be more knowledgeable than men regarding risk factors and the appropriate measures and resources to prevent and monitor skin cancer.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: The current survey provides new insights, and data suggests that messaging needs to be specifically targeted for at-risk demographics (especially by age, gender, skin type, and even country). This information could help inform future awareness campaigns developed to address the global need to reduce mid- and long-term development of skin cancer That is why we, at La Roche-Posay, are committed to offering educational campaigns, like Skin Checker, and practical tools, like the My UV Patch, free of charge to the public in order to effectuate change and improve people’s quality of life, especially for implicated and at-risk groups like women in order to educate men and children.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: While the surveyed populations were aware of risks related to sun exposure, individual risk factors, such as skin type and the size of moles, were not well known by respondents. The data uncovered that self-examination and medical seeking is frequently underused, and early signs of skin cancer that should prompt medical consultation are not universally known.
The current survey provides new insights, and data suggests that messaging needs to be specifically targeted for at-risk demographics (especially by age, gender, skin type, and even country). This information could help inform future awareness campaigns developed to address the global need to reduce mid- and long-term development of skin cancer That is why we, at La Roche-Posay, are committed to offering educational campaigns, like Skin Checker, and practical tools, like the My UV Patch, free of charge to the public in order to effectuate change and improve people’s quality of life, especially for implicated and at-risk groups like women in order to educate men and children.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: I am the scientific director for the brand. As a sun care pioneer working alongside dermatologists for over 30 years, La Roche-Posay is committed to the fight against skin cancer with a longstanding mission to educate and raise public awareness regarding sun exposure and skin cancer risks .in order to create a better life for people, especially those with sensitive skin. Recommended by more than 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed with dermatologists to meet their standards in efficacy, tolerance and elegant textures for increased compliance.
The products, which are developed using a strict formulation charter, include a minimal number of ingredients to reduce possible side effects and are formulated with active ingredients at optimal concentrations for increased efficacy. www.laroche-posay.com
Citation:
Public primary and secondary skin cancer prevention, perceptions and knowledge: An international cross-sectional survey
S. Seite,V. del Marmol, D. Moyal and. A. Friedman
JEADV DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14104
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/jdv.14104/abstract
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on January 10, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD