Perception of skin cancer risk of individuals andaffecting factors

Objective: One of the cancers whose incidence is increasing in the world and in our country is skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays are the most important factor in the etiology of skin cancer.The aim of this study is to determine the skin cancer risk level, risk perceptions and factors affecting risk perception and sun protection behaviors of individuals. Method: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with individuals over the age of 18 who applied to family health centers in İzmir Central Districts. The questionnaire form, which was created by the researcher, including sociodemographic characteristics, skin cancer risk level, risk perception, and the Sun Protection Behavior Scale were applied to the individuals who volunteered to participate in the study by face-to-face interview method. Results: It was determined that 324 (66.1%) of the 490 participants participating in the study were female, the mean age was 36.27±13.38, the majority of them were married (76.3%), and 37.8% had primary school or lower education level. According to the statements of the participants, more than half of them stated that they had an income of 2000TL or less, and 53.1% stated that they did not work in any job.It was determined that the majority of the participants (93.2%) consisted of individuals with medium risk in the Skin Type 3 and Skin Type 4 groups.While the percentage of individuals with a family history of skin cancer, which is one of the risk factors for skin cancer, was 1%, the percentage of individuals with skin cancer was 0.4%.While 67.5% of the individuals stated that they have 10 or less moles on their body, 19.6% stated that they had sunburn at least once in any period of their life. 81.6% of the participants stated that they did not have sun allergy, 98% did not have a suspicious skin excision, and 76.7% stated that they did not have sunspots. Among the individuals participating in the study, the risk perception was found to be significantly higher for those who were married, had sunspots, and had a history of skin excision. It was determined that women, single people, those with higher education and income levels, and those with a higher number of moles exhibited significantly more sun protection behavior. On the contrary, as age increases, sun protection behavior decreases significantly. Conclusion: In the fight against skin cancer, it is necessary to define the risky groups in the society, preventive measures and introduce them to the society. In addition to early diagnosis, it is important for people to be aware of their risk situations and to perform sun protection behaviors for secondary protection from skin cancer. In this context, it can be suggested that people should self-examine and define the risk correctly and regulate their sun protection behaviors accordingly. Keywords: skin cancer, risk perception, sun protection behavior