Evaluation of Misbeliefs, Myths and Knowledge About Nevi and Skin Cancer in Dermatology Patients

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the misbeliefs and myths about nevus and skin cancer, knowledge about melanoma, and compare the results between the sexes, education levels, and age groups in the Turkish population. Methods: The study was conducted between August 2020 and November 2021 in a tertiary dermatology outpatient clinic. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The questions were about demographic data, awareness and beliefs about nevus features, beliefs about nevus and skin cancer relation, and melanoma knowledge. Results: A total of 517 patients, 69.1% (n=357) females and 30.9% (n=160) males were included. Of the participants, 15.3% (n=79) had heard of melanoma, 84.7% (n=438) had not. 16.2% (n=84) of the patients responded that excising nevi causes a risk of skin cancer. 50.5% of the patients answered that nevi turn into skin cancer. 44.3% of the patients considered as traumatized nevus turns into skin cancer. These beliefs were more common in females and varied according to different stages of age and education levels. Conclusion: Nevus and skin cancer continue to carry misbeliefs and myths which are significant problems in public health because they cause difficulties in the treatment and management of skin cancer. Accurate knowledge through education programs is necessary for debunking myths. Keywords: nevi, nevus, skin cancer, melanoma