Early detection of skin cancer: racial/ethnic differences in behaviors and attitudes

J Cancer Educ. 1994 Summer;9(2):105-10. doi: 10.1080/08858199409528281.

Abstract

Data from 384 individuals participating in a worksite skin cancer screening program were used to assess racial/ethnic differences in attitudes toward and practice of prevention and early detection of skin cancer. Caucasians and Hispanics were more likely than African Americans to report having used a sunscreen during the past year. Caucasians performed skin self-examination more frequently than Hispanics, but African Americans did not differ in their frequency of skin self-examination from the other two groups. African Americans and Hispanics reported that they would be less likely than Caucasians to seek immediate follow-up care for suspicious skin lesions. Both similarities and differences were found in a variety of health belief variables across the three groups. These findings suggest a need for intensified efforts at primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer among African Americans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Black People*
  • Black or African American
  • Educational Status
  • Ethnicity*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Examination
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sunscreening Agents / therapeutic use
  • Texas
  • White People*

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents