Trends in primary skin cancer prevention among US Hispanics: a systematic review

To evaluate trends and identify deficiencies and disparities in primary skin cancer prevention efforts among Hispanics in the US.

PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS were searched using the following keywords: awareness, knowledge, behavior, sunscreen, hat, clothing, minorities, ethnic skin, Hispanic, Latino, and skin. Reference lists of selected studies were checked for additional studies. Studies that quantitatively evaluated primary skin cancer prevention efforts among US Hispanics were selected. Primary outcome measures included 1) use of sunscreen or sunblock, 2) use of sun-protective clothing and/or hats, and 3) shade seeking behavior. Selected studies were reviewed and quantitative data for each primary outcome measure were extracted. Additionally, we examined survey methodology and demographics of the studied populations.

Studies evaluating primary prevention of skin cancer among US Hispanics are limited in number and study populations. Overall, 9.5-29.9% of the Hispanics evaluated reported wearing sunscreen either most of the time or always compared to 16.5-35.9% of NHW. Hispanics reported slightly higher rates of wearing hats compared to NHW, with 23.9-25.0% of Hispanics reporting wearing hats either most of the time or always compared to 20-20.7% of NHW. Trends in wearing sun protective clothing and shade seeking varied between different Hispanic populations evaluated, but overall prevalence of these practices remained low.

The limited studies suggest that improvements are needed in primary skin cancer prevention practiced by Hispanics. Future studies and interventions need to account for heterogeneity in socio-cultural backgrounds, degree of acculturation, and occupation among US Hispanics.