A qualitative study of the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D.

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A qualitative study of the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of patients with skin cancer regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2017 Apr 27;:

Authors: Rutkowski D, Farrar MD, Osman JE, Webb AR, Rhodes LE

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Solar UVR is a major cause of skin cancer but also an important source of vitamin D (VitD), essential for musculoskeletal health. Conflicting public health messages may confuse skin cancer patients prone to further skin cancer.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of skin cancer patients to sunlight exposure and VitD sources.
METHODS: Patients (n=10) previously treated for multiple basal cell cancer in a hospital setting, participated in focus group sessions with semi-structured discussions to explore: knowledge of VitD, sun-avoidance behaviour, and attitude towards sunlight exposure messages. Thematic data analysis was performed using software programme MAXQDA11.
RESULTS: Pre-existing knowledge of VitD was low. Most patients practiced sun-avoidance and were not inclined to increase exposure. Patients did not perceive VitD deficiency as a substantial risk to their own health, or a need to take VitD supplements. They aimed to increase VitD status through dietary intake, but knowledge of food VitD content was lacking.
CONCLUSIONS: The skin cancer patients, appropriate to their heightened skin cancer risk, appeared unlikely to increase their sun-exposure to gain VitD. However, education is required regarding the generally low levels of VitD in foodstuffs, and the requirement for supplements/fortified foods if strict sun-avoidance is employed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28449308 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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