The authors found that American Indian and Alaskan Native patients reported engaging in sun-protective behaviors less than other racial and ethnic groups. In particular, the use of sunscreen was reported lower in American Indian and Alaskan Native patients when compared to non-Hispanic Whites and Asians, however, not African-Americans.
Clinical Pearls
This study looked at the skin cancer risk and preventive behaviors reported by American Indian and Alaskan Native patients in the United States
The authors found that American Indian and Alaskan Native patients reported engaging in sun-protective behaviors less than other racial and ethnic groups. In particular, the use of sunscreen was reported lower in American Indian and Alaskan Native patients when compared to non-Hispanic Whites and Asians, however, not African-Americans.
Discussion:
Few studies have focused on assessing skin cancer risk behaviors and prevention in the American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) population living in the United States. Of the studies performed, it was found that when AIAN patients develop melanoma, their 5-year survival rates are lower than those of non-Hispanic Whites (link to citation: Cormier JN, Xing Y, Ding M, Lee JE, Mansfield PF, Gershenwald JE, Ross MI, Du XL. Ethnic differences among patients with cutaneous melanoma. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Sep 25;166(17):1907-14. doi: 10.1001/archinte.166.17.1907. PMID: 17000949.). This study aimed to better understand the sun-protective behaviors and preventive habits of patients in this population.
Using the National Health Interview Survey from the years 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2015, the authors analyzed data on skin cancer screening, risk factors, and preventive behaviors in the AIAN population. There were a total of 360,573 participants of all racial and ethnic groups in this survey. The study found that AIAN participants reported engaging in sun-protective behaviors such as seeking shade and wearing a hat on sunny days less frequently than those from other racial and ethnic groups. Additionally, AIAN respondents reported using sunscreen less frequently than non-Hispanic Whites and Asians, but more than African Americans. Finally, AIAN participants reported ever receiving a full-body skin examination by a dermatologist than non-Hispanic Whites (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.38-0.47),
This study shows AIAN patients may be underserved in regard to access to dermatologic care and education on sun-protective behaviors. Overall, the results of this study support the need for outreach programs to AIAN patients focused on skin cancer prevention in the United States.
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