Evaluation of sun protection behaviour in patients following excision of a skin lesion.

The present prospective study evaluated sun exposure and sun protection behaviours in patients diagnosed with a precancerous or cancerous skin lesion. Following signed informed consent, patients were given a questionnaire regarding sun protection and sun exposure behaviour. There were 50 patients (27 men, 23 women) with a mean age of 59 years. Following diagnosis of a cancerous or precancerous lesion, there was a significant increase (P<0.001) in sunscreen use, use of sun protection factor greater than 30, wearing a hat and avoidance of sun between 10:00 and 14:00. There were significantly more women who used sunscreen (P=0.04) and limited daily activities (P=0.03). There were significantly more patients with nonmelanoma lesions who wore hats (P<0.04) and more patients with melanoma who limited daily activities (P<0.04). While many patients in the present study did alter their sun protection and exposure behaviour, there were many patients who continued in risk-taking sun behaviour. Therefore, patients with precancerous or cancerous skin lesions who are not compliant with sun protective behaviour may benefit from more comprehensive patient education to encourage better sun protection behaviour.