Evaluation of the Knowledge of Sun Damage, Solar Protection and Skin Cancers Among University Students and Their Parents

Abstract

Öz Purpose: Awareness of the harmful effects of the sun and the knowledge of protection, and awareness of the follow up of nevi, are important for the prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancers. Our aim is to evaluate the knowledge of university students and their parents about the harmful effects of the sun, and associated skin cancers. Methods: 653 university students and 615 parents participated in our cross-sectional study. The survey was delivered via the SurveyMonkey application link and demographic data was recorded. Fitzpatrick skin types, natural hair and eye colors, and personal and family skin cancer history were questioned. Information on the harmful effects of the sun, nevus examination, self-skin examination, symptoms of skin cancers and facilitating factors were questioned. Results: 1004 of the participants were women, 264 were men. Fitzpatrick II skin type and brown eyes were the most common in both groups. The nevi follow-up and self-examination habits did not differ statistically between the groups. Nevi follow-up was regarded as essential and requiring a dermatologist. Participants believed that the most common skin cancer was malignant melanoma. Conclusion: It is important to raise awareness about skin cancers, to follow up nevi and to introduce the habit of self-examination into society in general.