Male and Female Medical Students View Skin Cancer Differently
Male and Female Medical Students View Skin Cancer Differently
September 14, 2010
Medical Research, Press Releases
MIAMI, September 14, 2010 — There is a significant disparity between knowledge and attitudes on the dangers of skin cancer among male and female medical students in Florida according to a new study by a joint team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Archives of Dermatology.
While their overall knowledge was judged to be satisfactory there was a significant difference between male and female students’ knowledge survey scores: 93.1 percent for women vs. 87.7 percent for men. Female students reported more frequent sunscreen use and sun-avoidance behavior and more frequently engaged in other sun-protective behaviors than their male peers.
Overall, men had a lower knowledge level, less appreciation for the importance of sun protection and were less likely to use active sun-protective measures. It is known that men are at higher risk for melanoma than woman (1:41 compared to 1:61). Gender differences in knowledge and behavior possibly contribute to the higher melanoma incidence and mortality among men over women.
“What is alarming and ironic is that students who had a family member or personal history with skin cancer actually scored lower on the survey’s knowledge test at 74 percent vs. those who didn’t, scoring an average of 90 percent on the survey,” explains Dr. Yisrael Parmet, a researcher in BGU’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Management.
“As future physicians, medical students will play an important role in the primary prevention of skin cancer. Their knowledge and awareness will likely impact the effectiveness of the promotion of sun-smart behavior.”
Of the 270 first- and second-year medical students that completed the survey, more than two-thirds of students preferred the image of being tan to taking precautions outdoors.
Skin Cancer Awareness, Attitude and Sun Protection Behavior among Medical Students at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. JAMA Archives of Dermatology 2010 Jul; Vol. 146 (7), pp. 797-800.
Author Affiliations: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery (Drs. Kirsner and Hu) University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Ms. Patel and Dr. Rouhani), Miami, Florida; Department of Dermatology, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, New York (Dr. Nijhawan); Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas (Dr. Stechschulte); Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer- Sheva, Israel (Dr. Parmet).
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
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