From knowledge gaps to confidence: a pilot study evaluating a multilingual skin cancer educational intervention in...

Latine and underserved populations experience worse skin cancer outcomes and limited access to dermatologic care. Linguistically tailored interventions are essential for improving sun protection behaviors and skin self-examinations. Few studies have evaluated community-based interventions and skin cancer beliefs tailored to underserved Spanish- and Punjabi-speaking populations in the United States.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based skin cancer educational intervention in underserved Latine Spanish-speaking and Asian Punjabi-speaking communities.

We implemented a 3-part, in-person intervention between April and August 2024 at University of California, Davis-affiliated student-run clinics. Participants completed pre- and postintervention surveys assessing demographics, skin cancer knowledge, beliefs, and self-examination confidence. The intervention used American Academy of Dermatology materials, delivered in English, Spanish, and Punjabi, supported by trained bilingual medical and undergraduate student volunteers.

Thirty-two adults (56% Latine, 44% Asian; 81% women, 84% aged ≥40 years) participated. Significant improvements were observed in skin cancer knowledge, including understanding of the ABCDE rule (6-90%, P < .001), and self-examination confidence (19-63%, P < .001). However, changes in beliefs, particularly regarding biopsies and skin cancer misconceptions, were limited. Key structural barriers identified included high costs, lack of insurance, and referral access, disproportionately affecting Latine participants.

This study is limited by variability in educational delivery and a small, older sample population, limiting generalizability.

An in-person, linguistically tailored, community-based education can significantly improve skin cancer awareness and self-examination confidence among underserved Spanish- and Punjabi-speaking populations. Shifting deeper health beliefs may require more sustained and targeted interventions. Future efforts should expand community-driven, language-concordant interventions and explore long-term impacts on behavior and beliefs.