North Texas Research Forum 2025
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Division
North Texas
Hospital
Medical City Fort Worth
Specialty
Dermatology
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Keywords
skin cancer, family history, risk factors
Disciplines
Dermatology | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neoplasms | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Abstract
Background: Skin cancer in the United States accounts for approximately 50% of new early cancer diagnoses. Despite this, many individuals underestimate their personal risk, leading to lower engagement in preventative behaviors. Several factors may influence an individual’s perceived risk, including family history, age, race, ethnicity, skin type, and gender. While some individuals recognize their increased susceptibility based on personal, familial, and cultural experiences, others may have a lower perceived risk due to misconceptions or limited awareness. This study examines how these demographic factors influence individuals' perceived risk of skin cancer. Methods: This study analyzed data from 333 individuals aged 19 to 92. A questionnaire was conducted reporting age, ethnicity, Family History and two subjective classification methods: self-reported skin color descriptors (very fair, fair, olive, light brown, dark brown, and very dark) and self-assessed Fitzpatrick skin type (I-VI). Participants were sorted into generational cohorts based on their age in 2025: Traditionalists (>80 years), Baby Boomers (61-80 years), Generation X (45-60 years), Millennials (29-44 years), and Generation Z (18-28 years). Statistical analysis used a Chi-square test to examine the association between age groups and sun protection behaviors. Results: Chi-squared analysis found that a family history of skin cancer was significantly associated with a higher perceived risk (p < 2.2e-16). Generation cohort was associated with perceived risk. Older generations perceived a higher risk than younger generations (p < 0.001). Fitzpatrick skin type VI showed a significantly different risk perception compared to other skin types (p = 1.355e-09), while no significant differences were found among skin type I-V (p = 0.546). Gender was not significantly associated with perceived risk (p = 0.25). Ethnicity showed a strong association with perceived risk (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings highlight the significant influence that family history, age, and ethnicity have on individuals' perceived risk of skin cancer. The strong association between family history and age with risk perception suggests that personal or seen experiences with skin cancer may play a key role in shaping awareness. The lack of significant association between Fitzpatrick skin types and perceived skin cancer risk suggests that the scale is inadequate for assessing individual risk perception. Our study confirms previous studies that have identified the Fitzpatrick scale's weakness in correctly capturing skin color and ethnic diversity that influences risk perception and awareness. Our study confirms the need for redesigning skin cancer risk reduction programs to increase engagement in preventative behaviors.
Original Publisher
HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education
Recommended Citation
Lim, Henry; Ayoub, Reem; do Valle, Rafael; Kafle, Kristina; Olsen, Dana; Martinez, Ysabelle; Guo, Christina; Hall, Marshall; Scheufele, Christian; Carletti, Michael; and Weis, Stephen, "Perceived Risk of Skin Cancer: Influence of Family History, Age, Ethnicity, and Fitzpatrick Type" (2025). North Texas Research Forum 2025. 77.
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/northtexas2025/77