Sun exposure and skin cancer development: nurses’ attitudes

To mark Sun Awareness Week next week, this article highlights the fact that the major contributory factor in the development of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and nurses are ideally placed to promote care in the sun and raise awareness of moles. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any gaps in nurses' knowledge about the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. A total of 142 nurses were questioned about their own attitudes towards sun exposure, sun protection and mole awareness. The study showed that the nurses surveyed have a responsible attitude towards avoiding sunburn and the need for adequate sun protection, particularly when abroad. However, the study also revealed that they do not fully appreciate the extent to which the sun can cause skin cancer and they lack understanding about the need to protect the skin from sunburn and avoid long term sun exposure in the UK.