Photoprotection Knowledge and Behaviours Among Organ Transplant Recipients. Issue 3 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Kirsten; Gardner, Kerry; Law, Angela; Hawkins, Nicole; Hull, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. Volume 21:Issue 3(2017:May/Jun.)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: photoprotection -- solid organ transplant recipients -- skin cancer; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Canada -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1177/1203475417692728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1203-4754

Abstract

Background: Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) are at an increased risk of developing a de novo malignant neoplasm compared to the general population. The primary contributor to skin cancer in all patients is sun exposure. Objective: In this study, we aim to ascertain both OTR skin cancer awareness and photoprotection practices. Methods: A questionnaire-based study of Saskatchewan transplant recipients. Results: Nearly all respondents were aware that sun exposure is the best-known cause of skin cancer and that as an OTR, they are at increased risk of skin cancer (99.3% and 90.5%, respectively). Approximately half of respondents reported wearing a hat regularly, sun avoidance between 10am and 3pm, or wearing sunscreen regularly (53.7%, 33.1%, and 47.9%, respectively). Conclusion: Many OTRs are not engaging in photoprotection. Further intervention, which may include access to a dermatologist, is necessary to ensure ORTs do not experience undue morbidity and mortality secondary to skin cancer.