PEER EVALUATION
Background In the U.S., more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day and more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour (Yale Medicine, 2022). Significant studies have shown that skin cancer is related to cumulative sun exposure. Skin cancer is now one of the most common cancers in the U.S. and is caused by cumulative sun exposure throughout one’s lifetime. The occurrence of major sun damage during adolescence is increasing due to social trends. Many people, especially young adults, go out into the sun looking to get an optimal tan and glow. However, without sun protection such as sunscreen and appropriate shade, they can easily become sun-damaged. Sun damage occurs when the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun hits unprotected skin. Many young adults do not understand that sun damage does not necessarily equate to a sunburn. Even without a sunburn, the sun can prematurely age the skin and eventually lead to precancerous skin lesions and ultimately skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. As many skin cancers are preventable, it is important to raise awareness and educate young adults on the importance of sun protection.
Purpose/Aim/Hypothesis Nowadays, there are an increasing number of young adults who are unaware of how sun damage may cause premalignant skin lesions. The aim of this study is to survey the knowledge of young adults regarding sun exposure. With proper education, it is possible to help raise awareness of sun damage amongst young adults to prevent sun damage.
Research Question: Are young adults aware of the ways to prevent sun damage and its potentially fatal effects?
Literature review
As the incidence of skin cancer has increased over the last few years, many studies have been completed to show the importance of sun damage awareness and education. In a study by Yurtseven et al. (2012), a similar study was conducted to raise sun damage awareness among health services vocational school students. A questionnaire was used in order to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among the sample of 414 students. As prolonged UV radiation is known to have dire consequences to skin health, it was noted the importance of raising awareness for vocational school students. The results showed that many young adults from age 18-to 30 favored having a tanned complexion and that the rates of skin cancers are becoming more frequent. The research by Yurtseven et al. (2012) is favorable to help prove how the rates of skin cancers are increasing, especially due to the trends of young adults and their desire to having a tan. The total sample size is significant enough to collect a sizeable amount of data to compare and analyze. As rates of skin cancer are increasing, it is imperative to modify the education revolving around the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure to protect the future of young adults. Similarly, Sultana (2020), conducted similar research in regard to sun awareness and sun protection practices. Sultana also mentions that skin cancer rates have increased over the past few years, especially due to exposure of UV radiation. A questionnaire was used to assess sun protection practices in Saudi Arabia and Kingdom of Bahrain. In the setting of a very hot and sun-exposed climate, a total of 830 responses were collected. The majority of participants reported that they avoid sun exposure during peak hours and not using sunscreen. Research from the study shows that use of sunscreen, “is strongly associated with the presence of skin problems, [tendency to tan or sunburn], taking medication for any disease, and family history of sun-related skin disease” (Sultana, 2020). Overall, the study showed that the participants did not have adequate understanding of the harmful effects of UV exposure as it showed through their daily practice of sun protection. Ina study by Robinson et al. (2021), young adults were assessed using a UV dosimeter and a smartphone app throughout a period of 28 days. All patients had sun-sensitive skin and were provided with a UV Guard sun protection system. Although the protection system was used, the areas most commonly sunburnt after the study were the face, among 12 other body locations.
