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US Hispanics reported low level of skin cancer surveillance behaviors

Hispanics from five states had a low prevalence of skin cancer surveillance behaviors that was more pronounced among Spanish-acculturated rather than English-acculturated adults, according to recent study results.

Researchers conducted a population-based study of 787 Hispanic adults (mean age, 42.3 years; 50.2% women) residing in California (n=379), Texas (n=231), Florida (n=110), Arizona (n=41) and New Mexico (n=26). Participants completed a survey in English or Spanish (47.7%) in September 2011. Ever having conducted a skin self-examination (SSE) and having received a total cutaneous examination (TCE) from a health professional were outcomes. Researchers measured sociodemographic, skin cancer-related and psychosocial factors.

Of the participants, 17.6% reported ever having conducted an SSE, and 9.2% indicated they received a TCE. Conducting an SSE was associated with having undergone a TCE (P<.001).

Older age (P<.001), English linguistic acculturation (P=.046), more melanoma risk factors (P=.012), more frequent sunscreen use (P=.008) and sunbathing (P=.015) were among the factors associated with conducting an SSE, according to multivariate logistic regression. Higher perceived skin cancer risk (P=.026), physician recommendation (P<.001), more SSE benefits (P=.009) and fewer SSE barriers (P<.001) also showed an association.

In multivariate logistic regression analyses, correlates of receiving a TCE included being older (P<.001), English acculturation (P=.004), more melanoma risk factors (P<.001), having ever tanned indoors (P=.024), higher skin cancer knowledge (P=.018), higher perceived skin cancer severity (P=.004), physician recommendations (P<.001) and fewer TCE barriers (P=.024).

“We found that only 9.2% of Spanish-acculturated Hispanics reported being advised by a doctor to check their body for skin cancer, compared with 15.6% of bicultural and 17.3% of English-acculturated Hispanics (P=.025),” the researchers said.

“We identified several Hispanic subpopulations that have especially low rates of engaging in skin cancer surveillance behavior (eg, younger individuals and those with high Spanish linguistic acculturation),” the researchers concluded. “The study results also provide insight on the most appropriate content and approach that should be used to promote skin cancer surveillance behaviors among at-risk Hispanic individuals.”