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Sun exposure and skin cancer development: nurses' attitudes
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|May 29, 1996
Summary
Nurses understand sun protection abroad but lack knowledge on UK sun exposure risks and skin cancer prevention. Further education is needed to improve early skin cancer detection and public awareness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a primary cause of skin cancer.
- Nurses play a crucial role in promoting sun safety and early skin cancer detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify knowledge gaps among nurses regarding skin cancer prevention and early detection.
- To assess nurses' understanding of UV radiation risks and sun protection behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 142 nurses.
- Questionnaires assessed nurses' attitudes towards sun exposure, sun protection, and mole awareness.
Main Results:
- Nurses demonstrated responsible attitudes towards sunburn avoidance and sun protection, especially when traveling.
- A significant gap was observed in nurses' understanding of the extent of UV radiation's role in skin cancer development.
- Nurses showed a lack of awareness regarding the necessity of protecting skin from sunburn and long-term sun exposure within the UK.
Conclusions:
- While nurses are aware of sun protection needs abroad, their understanding of long-term UV risks and skin cancer prevention in the UK requires improvement.
- Targeted education is necessary to enhance nurses' knowledge for effective public health promotion regarding skin cancer.