Prevalence of Skin Cancer among Beachgoers in Israel.

Abstract

We assessed the prevalence of suspected skin lesions among beachgoers with dermatoscopy and evaluated their compliance with recommendations. This was conducted as a screening activity at a beach in central Israel. A dermatoscopy specialist evaluated beachgoers and maintained follow-up with them to ascertain compliance with recommendations. In all, 296 participants were screened. Normal examination was observed in 251 (85%), while a malignant finding was suspected in 12 (4%). Compliance with recommendations for excision was moderately low, with 8 of the 14 patients complying with recommendations. Skin malignancy is prevalent in local beachgoing population. Voluntary projects increase awareness in youngsters and deliver accessible screening to the older population. We believe that screening activities must be increased due to high attendance, yet close follow-up must be maintained due to intermediate compliance with medical recommendations.