Abstract

Objective: We sought to define knowledge and behaviors on sun protection and skin cancer within the two distinct Hispanic populations of NY and South Florida. Design: A 50-question survey was developed and distributed to Hispanic patients in New York and Florida medical dermatology, outpatient clinic settings. Setting: Surveys were distributed through the Department of Dermatology clinics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York and the University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida. Patients: 1,010 Hispanic patients responded to the survey from both New York and Florida. Surveys were in English and Spanish, as appropriate. Main Outcome Measures: Variables included patient demographics, sun behavior, sunscreen use, sun exposure, and sunscreen type. Results: Fifty-four percent (54.5%) of responders were surveyed in New York while 45.5% were surveyed in Miami. The majority of survey participants in both New York and Miami were women (64.1% and 66.2%, respectively). The mean age of all responders was 46.9 years. Over half of all respondents believed olive/brown skin color was resistant to skin cancer (54.1%); nearly one-third thought it was impossible to sunburn on a cloudy day (32.1%). New Yorkers, men, non-US born, and younger responders were less likely to wear sunscreen (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hispanics are not participating in sun protection activities including sunscreen use, particularly those survey participants in New York. Myths and misconceptions regarding the sun and skin cancer are common within this community. Primary and secondary initiatives to prevent and diagnose skin cancers are critical.

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