Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure among Homeless Men at a Shelter in Dallas, TX

This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer and sun exposure among homeless men (n = 75). A 21-item survey was given to men residing at Calvert Place Men’s Shelter in Dallas, TX. Results indicated that 49% knew that a change in a mole’s appearance and a sore that does not heal were signs of skin cancer. Black homeless men were less likely to know that people with dark skin could get skin cancer and that sunscreen should be applied 15–30 min before sun exposure compared to white and other subgroups (p <.05). People were more likely to agree that sun protection is important (median = 5.0), but less likely to agree that they were at risk for skin cancer (median = 3.0). White men had higher levels of agreement that melanoma was dangerous compared to other racial/ethnic groups (p = 0.0224). Over half (52%) of individuals reported being in the sun often, yet only 21% reported the use of sunscreen. Most (71%) homeless men had never checked themselves for skin cancer and only 13% reported ever being screened by a health professional for skin cancer. Increased skin cancer education and increased screening efforts should be implemented to better protect the homeless population at Calvert Place from skin cancer.