Skin Cancer Risk Factor Awareness among the Slovenian Population in 2011 and 2019

Jan Stanic, Tanja Planinšek Rucigaj.

Abstract

Introduction: Awareness of skin cancer risk factors can vary significantly over time within the population. With this study we tried to illuminate some of the reasons for this dynamic.

Methods: In 2011 and again in 2019, the Slovenian Dermatovenereological Association surveyed 550 and 553 Slovenes at Dermatovenerological Clinic, respectively, about their awareness of skin cancer risk factors. Concurrently, we examined and compared the amount of skin cancer awareness content available to the Slovenian public through internet, TV, radio, and newspapers in the year preceding each survey.

Results: The 2019 survey revealed a significant decline in Slovenians’ knowledge about skin cancer risk factors compared to previous years (23,20% to 54,68% decline in individual categories), likely resulting from reduced skin cancer awareness campaign efforts by Slovenian dermatovenerologists after 2015. Furthermore, there were 606 publications on skin cancer risk factors in the mass media before the 2011 survey, but only 345 before the 2019 survey, marking a 43% decrease.

Conclusions: Our data underscores the need for ongoing public health initiatives and campaigns to educate the public on skin cancer prevention. It also emphasizes the importance of sufficient health-related publications in accessible media to enhance awareness, ultimately leading to a more informed and healthier population.