Clinical Report: Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Skin Cancer

Overview

This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer among Polish medical and non-medical students. It found that medical students had higher knowledge scores, but gender was a significant predictor of sunscreen compliance, overshadowing the impact of educational background.

Background

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer type, necessitating effective educational strategies to improve awareness and protective behaviors. Understanding the differences in knowledge and practices between medical and non-medical students can inform targeted interventions. This study highlights the importance of gender in influencing sun protection behaviors.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Medical students scored higher in knowledge about skin cancer compared to non-medical students (p < .001).
• Gender was a significant predictor of sunscreen compliance and knowledge scores.
• Women reported higher rates of sunscreen application on sunny days (84.7% vs. 61.0%; p < .001).
• Daily sunscreen application was significantly higher among women (44.9% vs. 13.0%; p < .001).
• Knowledge scores positively correlated with sunscreen usage (rs = .24, p < .001).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider gender differences when developing educational programs about skin cancer prevention. Targeted interventions that address the specific needs and behaviors of different student populations may enhance compliance with sun protection practices.

Conclusion

The study underscores the necessity for focused educational initiatives to bridge the knowledge-practice gap in skin cancer prevention, particularly emphasizing the role of gender in influencing protective behaviors.

Related Resources & Content

1. Etzel et al, American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2025 -- Misconceptions Regarding Skin Cancer Risk in the United States
2. Global Survey Assessing Medical Students' Engagement with Essential Surgical Practices (GAMES): A Cross-Sectional Analysis
3. The ASCO Post, 2015 -- Capitalizing on Increased Interest in Skin Cancer During Summer to Reeducate People About Sunscreens and ‘Smart Sun Strategies’
4. Cutaneous melanoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
5. Reduced Melanoma After Regular Sunscreen Use
6. Validation of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire in a Polish Population (POL-WISQoL)
7. Solarium z zakazem dostępu dla niepełnoletnich - Główny Inspektorat Sanitarny
8. Cutaneous melanoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
9. VOLUME 29 · NUMBER 3 · JANUARY 20 2011JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY ORIGINAL REPORTReduced Melanoma After Regular Sunscreen Use: