ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sun exposure increases skin cancer risk. However, little is known about general awareness, knowledge and behavior of skin cancer among Korean people. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine and compare the awareness and knowledge of skin cancer and sun protection behavior among Koreans, foreigners, and doctors, excluding dermatologists. METHODS: A written questionnaire was distributed to 1,091 Koreans, 113 foreigners, and 99 doctors. RESULTS: Most people (68.9%) knew that the sun was dangerous for their skin and the majority of people (59.0%) were aware that sun exposure increased skin cancer risk. However, the general knowledge score of skin cancer for Koreans was limited to half that of foreigners. In other words, Korean people recognized skin cancer, but they had a limited knowledge of detail. The general behavior score of Korean people was about two thirds of that of foreigners. The non-dermatologic doctors' score was similar to that of foreigners. CONCLUSION: Although the majority of Koreans are aware that sun exposure increases skin cancer, they don't seem to have a detailed knowledge of skin cancer prevention or early detection. Therefore, a nation-wide skin cancer education and prevention program is strongly required and dermatologists should play a major role in this program.