Systematic review and meta-analysis reveals suboptimal adherence to sun safety among skin cancer survivors, highlighting the need for targeted behavioral interventions.
Key Points
Determine the prevalence and associated factors of sun protection behaviors among skin cancer survivors.
Systematic search conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through November 2025 for studies reporting sun protection behaviors in skin cancer survivors.
Identified 15 studies; study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.4).
Pooled prevalence rates were 57% (95% CI: 0.51–0.63) for sunscreen use, 58% (95% CI: 0.47–0.69) for shade-seeking, 48% (95% CI: 0.35–0.61) for wearing long sleeves, and 46% (95% CI: 0.33–0.60) for wearing brimmed hats.
Adherence correlated with age, gender, education, perceived risk, and healthcare access, with melanoma survivors exhibiting higher compliance than non-melanoma skin cancer survivors.