Özet:

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge level of family physicians about skin cancer and their attitudes and behaviors about sun protection. Methods: The sample of this study was composed of 295 family physicians who worked in Samsun province and participated in in-service trainings organized by the Provincial Health Directorate in March 2019. A questionnaire form consisting of questions on sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes and behaviors about sun protection was applied to the participants. Result: A total of 295 family physicians, 64.7% male and 35.3% female, participated in the study. Most of the physicians (87.8%) expressed that they tried to protect from sunlight. Women (68.3%) used sunscreen lotions/creams more frequently than men (41.4%). Those who had 2 and more severe sunburns throughout their lifetime (51.5%) stated that they described themselves at higher risk than those who did not (36.2%) which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The reasons of the physicians for application to a dermatologist were: 47(15.9%) had asymmetrically shaped, irregularly structured moles larger than 5 mm, 37(12.5%) had suspected presence of moles, 11(3.7%) wanted whole body examination for moles, 20(6.8%) requested advice on daily skin care and prevention of skin aging. Conclusion: Awareness studies should be carried out on the harmful effects of the sun and early diagnosis of skin cancer especially for family physicians, healthcare professionals and other parts of the society. In addition, considering that visual evaluation has a role in the diagnosis of skin cancer, it will be useful for family physicians to inform their patients about the detrimental effects of the sun and self-skin examination.

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