Impact of Skin Cancer Awareness on Prophylactic Behavior Among Renal Transplant Recipients

Background. Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) have a risk for skin cancer. The most important risk factor, and the only one that depends on patient behavior, is the exposure to ultraviolet light. The aim of this study was to assess the level of skin cancer awareness and its impact on preventative behavior among RTRs. Methods. Questionnaires were applied to assess the awareness of increased risk of skin cancer and its influence on preventative behavior among RTRs. Results. Of the RTRs, 51.6% considered themselves as a group of patients with a high risk of skin cancer. Only 11.5% (group A) were able to fully explain the whole reason of the need for sun protection usage. A partial explanation was provided by 40.1% of the patients (group B). The other 48.5% of the patients (group C) provided no explanation. Among the patients, 53.9% of surveyed RTRs never applied any sunscreen. Of RTRs, 22.5% claimed to always avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Most of the patients admitted to having outdoor hobbies (81% of group A, 60.3% of group B, 58% of group C). In addition, 36.2% of RTRs thought that they were more attractive if they were tanned. Conclusions. The awareness of being in a group of increased risk of skin cancer is still poor among RTRs. Skin cancer awareness does not correlate with usage of different forms of sun prevention. There is a great need for active education of Polish RTRs.