Risk Factors for Cutaneous Melanomas and Level of Awareness in Society.

Background: Skin cancers have become a significant public health problem and increasing over the years. Two crucial risk factors for skin cancers are; phenotypic traits and sun-induced ultraviolet exposure. The risk of disease can be significantly reduced with sun protection. This study aimed to determine the knowledge levels of sun protection and sun avoidance behaviors of healthcare professionals and other professionals who have not yet been diagnosed with any cutaneous cancer. Materials and Methods: Between February and August 2022, the participants without a diagnosis of malignancy were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients related to skin cancer, including age and gender, were recorded. The questionnaire was applied to each participant, including the level of knowledge about sun protection and sun protection habits. Results: The mean age was 37 years. Of the participants, 116 were healthcare workers, and 392 were other professionals. The knowledge of sun protection among healthcare workers was given by doctors significantly higher than in others. However, other professions obtained sun protection information primarily through media communication tools (p<0.0001). The knowledge of using sunscreen half an hour before going out in the sun was higher in healthcare workers (p=0.009). Also, knowledge of reapplying sunscreen after swimming was higher among healthcare workers (p=0.009). We determined that sunscreen use and sunscreen >30 sun protection factor were higher in healthcare workers (p<0.0001, p=0.001, respectively). It is noteworthy that there was an insufficient number of nevus screening in both groups. Conclusion: Although the level of knowledge of individuals about taking protective measures against sun exposure is high, it was observed that individuals' attitudes and behaviors related to sun protection were insufficient. Campaigns to encourage the public to protect themselves from the sun within a general health program through doctor-supported social media tools may contribute to the elimination of the deficiencies we have identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]