Pharmaceutical attention in the prevention of skin cancer Luiza Ferreira da Silva Fonseca, Rafaela Cordella Alfredo, Valter Garcia Santos

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and has numerous physiological functions. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, with well-established risk factors, but it is the most common in the country. In Brazil, in 2020, there were 2,653 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer: with a risk of 1.48 deaths per 100,000 men, and 1.03 deaths per 100,000 women. To prevent skin damage caused by UV radiation, sunscreens have been developed. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the importance of pharmaceutical care in preventing skin cancer. This is quantitative research where a questionnaire containing 14 multiple-choice questions was administered, targeting residents of municipalities in Baixada Santista in the State of São Paulo. At the end of the work, an educational folder on the topic was created in order to promote awareness among the population about skin cancer. The work was submitted to the UNISANTA Ethics Committee and approved within ethical principles and current legislation under number 77681124.8.0000.5513. Differences in knowledge and risk behavior were found, with 30.72% (n=51) using a face shield daily; 62.05% (n=103) use body protectors only when going to the beach or pool; 91.57% (n=152) were concerned about the disease and 51.20% (n=85) were unable to answer whether the risk of skin cancer is greater in childhood or adulthood. Although the risks related to sun exposure are mainly known, failure to reapply sunscreen is reported by 64.46% (n=107) of participants, with 78.31% (n=130) incorrectly answering the difference between the sun exposure factors. solar protection. Around 56.02% (n=93) reported being able to identify spots or characteristic signs of the disease, the most common being dark spots 32.82% (n=127), wounds that did not heal 20.16% (n=78) and lesions that itch and/or bleed 19.90% (n= 77). Studies indicate that a large proportion of melanomas are discovered accidentally by patients themselves or their families, showing the importance of knowing your skin and being aware of some changes. Pharmaceutical interventions can guide skin self-examination and help in the early detection of skin cancer. From the data collected in the present study, it was possible to observe the level of knowledge of the population studied, differences between information and risk behaviors can be noted, factors such as the absence of reapplication of the product and information about differences in levels of protection are often unknown. The use of sunscreen is extremely important for preventing skin cancer. The pharmacist has an important role in promoting education about sun protection, whether talking about the risks of unprotected sun exposure or clarifying the difference between the sunscreens available on the market and their frequency of application.