Skin cancer remains the most common malignancy in the United States. Although less common in patients with colored skin, it often presents at a more advanced stage in these population groups compared to Caucasian patients. Researchers investigated the assessment and improvement of skin cancer awareness in skin of color (SOC) patients and the promotion of sun protection behaviors and self-examination of skin in these patients.

Participants included patients who self-identified as having pigmented skin and/or Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI. The majority of participants (81%) were black or African American. 15% were Asian and the rest were Native Americans or Alaska Natives. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or Caucasian.

Prior to the study, participants were provided with images of pigmented skin (SOC) and an educational brochure incorporating facts about SOC skin cancer. agree that there is, and 97% agreed after the survey. Investigation. Additionally, 15% of pre-survey patients identified hands, feet, and nails as the most common sites of melanoma in his SOC, and a dramatic 65% identified these areas post-survey.

Only 15% of patients performed monthly self-examinations before the survey and 58% after the survey. The other statistic of interest was that only 9% of patients correctly identified his ABCDE of melanoma before the survey, but almost a third (27%) after the survey. Additionally, the number of patients who became very comfortable performing self-skin testing increased to 73% after the study compared to 45% before the study.

A number of important observations were made from this study. First, lack of awareness and education are major drivers of skin cancer health disparities in SOC. This brief educational intervention was associated with significant improvements in patient knowledge and behavior regarding skin cancer prevention and detection, and comprehensive educational interventions addressed these health inequities in SOC patients. may be part of a multifaceted effort to

reference
Ojeaga A, Mehrmal S, Lee K, Skin cancer education and prevention in patients with multicolored skin: targeted educational interventions in academic dermatology clinics. Color update meeting skins. Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. New York, New York. September 9-11, 2022.