Skin Cancer Knowledge and Skin Self-examinations in the Hispanic Population of North Carolina: The Patient's Perspective

The incidence rates of melanoma in Hispanics are on the rise, and melanoma presents at a more advanced stage among Hispanics than other ethnic groups.¹ Delay in diagnosis may be owing to a low index of suspicion for melanoma in Hispanics among both medical professionals and the Hispanic population.² It has previously been shown that comprehensive skin self-examination (SSE) may lead to earlier melanoma diagnosis.³ Despite this evidence, the percentage of patients in the Hispanic population performing SSE has been reported to be low, 15% compared with 32% in non-Hispanic whites (NHWs).⁴ Several studies have reviewed skin cancer screening practices among Hispanics, but these studies have all been retrospective, and the conclusions are mainly speculative.¹ Our objectives were to determine the percentage of Hispanics who undergo skin examination by a physician and perform regular SSE and to explore reasons why they might not. Additional focus was placed on participants older than 40 years because skin cancer screenings are recommended for patients in this age group owing to increased risk of melanoma with older age.