Study about skin cancer screening in comparison with breast and cervix cancer screening in a female sample from Concordia, Argentina.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding the screening of skin cancer, compared to the breast and cervix cancer. Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was carried out among women in the city of Concordia, Entre Ríos. The sample consisted of 90 mothers or tutors from low (G1, n=32), middle (G2, n=29) and high (G3, n=29) socioeconomic status elementary schools students. Results. Mean age were 37,9±6,6, 38,0±6,9 and 43,1±5,6 years, respectively. The annual skin exam has been performed by dermatologist in 30.0% (G1), 30.8% (G2) and 51.7% (G3) of these women. The annual gynecological exam has been done by 46.4% (G1), 60.7% (G2) and 86.2% (G3).  The existence of the skin cancer prevention campaign was known in 35,7%, 16% and 10,7% in G1, G2 and G3 respectively, but only 3,7% of G2, 3,7% of G3 and no women in G1 had ever participated in a campaign. Major conclusion. These data indicate the need to achieve effective strategies that allow improving the adherence of women to prevention campaigns, especially those for skin cancer prevention, where there is less participation when compared with breast  and cervical cancer screening. </p