ASPO Abstracts
Sun Protection Practices and Recent Sunburn History among Latino and non-Latino White Melanoma Survivors
Category: Cancer Health Disparities, Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Recent estimates suggest there are close to 1,000,000 melanoma survivors in the U.S. and the population continues to grow due to increases in incidence and improvements in 5-year survival rates. Following successful treatment completion, melanoma survivors remain at elevated risk for recurrence and development of new melanomas. Given this elevated risk, survivors are advised to limit sun exposure, avoid sunburns, and adhere to recommended sun protection practices. Limited research has focused on sun protection in melanoma survivors and most prior studies have focused exclusively on non-Latino whites, despite research documenting rising incidence rates and poorer survival outcomes in Latinos. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess sunburn frequency and use of sun protection practices among Latino and non-Latino white melanoma survivors identified through the California Cancer Registry. All survivors had a child 0-17 years of age as the study included a focus on high-risk children. Data were collected from 316 melanoma survivors (Mean age = 42 years, 70% female, 17% Latino, Mean time since diagnosis = 41 months) through mailed, web-based, and telephone surveys. Use of sun protection varied widely by strategy with sunscreen (84%), sunglasses (84%), and wearing shirts with sleeves (75%) the most used strategies and seeking shade (65%) and wearing a hat (56%) the least used strategies. The mean sun protection composite score was 3.03 (Range 1-4). Despite relatively high reported use of some sun protection strategies, a quarter of the sample (25%) reported having experienced a recent sunburn. No differences were observed between Latinos and non-Latino whites for sun protection or sunburn outcomes. Greater use of sun protection was associated with survivors reporting more supportive social norms regarding sun protection, higher perceived severity of melanoma, and greater perceived efficacy of sun protection in reducing future melanoma risk. Study results find that a substantial proportion of melanoma survivors have experienced a recent sunburn despite reporting relatively high use of sun protection and suggest potential psychosocial targets for intervention.
Keywords: cancer survivors, sun protection practices, melanoma, cancer disparities