Sun Protection Behaviour and Sunburns in Spanish Cyclists

Sánchez

Photoderm Photoimm Photomed

et al. 2021

Background Transplant recipients are particularly prone to the development of skin cancer, and overexposure to UV radiation during outdoor activities increases the risk of carcinogenesis. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze sun‐related behaviors and knowledge in transplant athletes, examine the frequency of sunburns, and explore associations with a history of skin cancer. Materials and methods Cross‐sectional descriptive study. Participants (n = 170) in the XXI World Transplant Games from >50 countries completed a questionnaire on sun protection habits and knowledge, type of transplant, immunosuppressive therapy, and personal history of skin cancer. Results The most common transplanted organs were the kidney (n = 79), the liver (n = 33), and the heart (n = 31). Overall, 61.3% of athletes had been doing sport for >15 years and 79.5% spent >1–2 h a day outdoors. Fifteen % of athletes had a history of skin cancer. The prevalence of sunburn in the previous year was 28.9%, higher in athletes aged <50 years (37.2%); without a primary school education (58.3%), not taking cyclosporin (32.6%), and athletes who played basketball (75%). The main sun protection measures used were sunscreen (68.9%) and sunglasses (67.3%). Use of a hat or cap was the only measure significantly associated with a reduced prevalence of sunburn. Conclusions Despite high awareness that sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, sunburn was common in transplant athletes. Efforts should be made to strengthen multidisciplinary sun protection education strategies and ensure periodic dermatologic follow‐up to prevent sun‐induced skin cancer in this population.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 60%

Sun exposure and protection habits in transplant athletes: An international survey

Sánchez

Photoderm Photoimm Photomed

et al. 2021

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb)

“…The most common practices among Spanish cyclists [ 26 ] were use of a hat (95.5%) and sunglasses (92.8%); the least common were long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (6.2%) and seeking shade (23.1%). Only 39.2% applied sunscreen [ 27 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sixty percent of marathon runners in Austria had never had their naevi checked by a dermatologist [ 38 ]. Among Spanish cyclists 61.0% did not examine their skin regularly [ 27 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Photoprotection in Outdoor Sports: A Review of the Literature and Recommendations to Reduce Risk Among Athletes

Gilaberte

Trullàs

Granger

et al. 2022

Solar exposure, for long hours and often at peak times with limited shade available, predisposes athletes to episodic sunburn and chronic damage, causing increased risk of precancerous lesions and skin cancer. Environmental factors and training intensity affect risk. Clothing provides good protection, but changing established ''uniforms'' may not be possible for reasons of practicality, safety, or simply custom. Although physical activity should be encouraged for its physical and mental benefits, risk of skin damage should be minimised. We review existing behaviours, skin cancer risk, and campaigns in the sporting population and highlight key recommendations to help sun protection practices become engrained in sports practice.

“…We also believe it important to examine the educational background of athletes, to examine whether this might influence the type and frequency of photoprotection used. In addition, a study with similar characteristics should be conducted with amateur athletes, in which case the study population would be much larger, and so the data obtained and the conclusions drawn would be more conclusive [42]. Finally, a study with solar dosimeters, to quantify the radiation received by this type of athlete, would provide valuable information.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sun Exposure during Water Sports: Do Elite Athletes Adequately Protect Their Skin against Skin Cancer?

Castro‐Maqueda

Manzanedo

Lagares‐Franco

et al. 2021

IJERPH

Excessive sun exposure is the main avoidable cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports performed without adequate photoprotection are risky practices in this respect. This study examines whether elite athletes in water sports (specifically surfing, windsurfing, and sailing) take appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun, and whether there are differences in this respect according to age, gender, or sports discipline. This study is based on a questionnaire-based health survey. World championship competitors completed a self-administered questionnaire on their sun protection and exposure habits, as well as sunburns during the last sports season. In total, 246 participants, with an age range of 16–30 years, completed the questionnaire. Of these, 49.6% used inadequate sun protection. Those who protected their skin appropriately tended to be older than those who did not (average age = 23.28 and 20.69 years, respectively; p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in sun protection habits between male and female athletes. The rate of sunburn was very high (76.7%). A high proportion (22.5%) of participants never used sunscreen. Elite athletes in water sports are at real risk of skin lesions from overexposure to the sun, associated with inadequate photoprotection practices. Campaigns to raise awareness and to promote the early detection of skin cancer should target these risk groups.