The Impact of Increasing Sun Protection Counseling and Skin Cancer Screening

Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is a broad term that includes squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most concerning of the three types of skin cancer and is the focus of this project. The projected number of individuals impacted by a new diagnosis of melanoma in 2020 is a staggering 100,350 coupled with an estimated 6,850 patients dying from melanoma each year. In Wisconsin, it is estimated there will be 2,190 new cases of melanoma, and 150 deaths in 2020. Expanding patient's knowledge about the risk and benefits of skin cancer screenings, techniques, and characteristics will enhance understanding of the significance of skin cancer. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess current skin cancer knowledge and raise awareness by providing education regarding skin cancer risks and statistics among manufacturing employees in Wisconsin. Methods: A quality improvement procedure took place as employees of a Midwestern global manufacturer were educated about self-skin screens, skin cancer risks, and the importance of sun protective behaviors. Pre- and post-education surveys were distributed and obtained. Results: A total of 16 individuals participated in the study, and the results were clinically significant. Providing education about skin cancer risks and sun protection behaviors improved employee's knowledge base by 50%. Conclusions: Although individuals identified skin cancer as an area of high concern, few reported knowing how to prevent skin cancer and the risks for skin cancer before being provided the related education. Therefore, it is evident, even with this small group that simple skin cancer counseling offers great benefit in helping increase knowledge among those educated about skin cancer risk factors and sun protective behaviors.