Attitudes and practices of inflammatory bowel disease patients towards skin cancer risk and sun protection

Background

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed annually. People with inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients' awareness around skin cancer risk and photoprotection practices and to identify gaps in patient education regarding skin cancer prevention in IBD patients.

Methods

IBD patients >18 years old were invited to fill out a questionnaire while waiting for their outpatient appointment.

Results

A total of 87 patients (52% women) with IBD (Crohn's disease 62.8%, UC 35%,) were included. A total of 38 patients were diagnosed before age 25 (44%). Most patients were on active treatment for their IBD (96.5%, n = 85). Four patients had a personal history, and seven patients had a family history of skin cancer. Nearly half of participants (47.6%) were unaware or unsure of an increased risk of skin cancer associated with IBD and 42.5% were unaware or unsure of an increased risk with some IBD treatments. Behaviours around sun-cream were generally good, however, other sun protective methods were suboptimal.

Conclusions

Only half (52.4%) of IBD patients surveyed were aware of a link between skin cancer and IBD. Skin cancer knowledge was generally good, however, photoprotection practices were suboptimal. This underscores the role of healthcare professionals in re-enforcing sun safety information and skin cancer education in the IBD population.