Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Faculty
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Firefighters are at elevated risk for skin cancer due to chronic exposure to carcinogens such as soot and combustion byproducts. However, targeted skin cancer prevention efforts in this population are rare. This study evaluated the feasibility and early impact of a firefighter-focused skin cancer screening and educational intervention.
Methods: Firefighters from the Harlingen Fire Department (N = 23 pre-survey; N = 21 post-survey) participated in a free skin cancer screening and educational event. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys assessing skin cancer knowledge (8-item multiple-choice quiz), self-reported confidence in skin self-examinations, perceived risk factors, and support for routine screening. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and post-intervention changes in perceptions. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores were compared using group means and Welch’s independent t-test. Post-survey confidence and behavior responses were analyzed using proportions.
Results: Post-intervention, 76.2% of participants reported increased confidence in performing skin self-checks, 81.0% reported improved understanding of skin cancer risk factors, 100.0% learned how to better protect their skin, and 85.7% endorsed the importance of yearly skin cancer screening. Overall knowledge scores were high at baseline (mean pre-score: 7.65/8) and improved slightly after the intervention (mean post-score: 7.86/8), though the gain was not statistically significant (p = 0.197).
Conclusions: This pilot screening event was well-received and demonstrated the feasibility of firefighter-targeted education. While overall gains were modest due to high baseline knowledge, directional trends linked to training and occupational behavior provide a foundation for scaled, tailored interventions. Future efforts should expand sample size, include dermatologic exam findings, and explore how baseline knowledge profiles can guide more personalized educational delivery.
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Marupudi, Smaran; Quailes, Natasha N.; Lopez, Miguel; and Villegas, Maria MD, "Protecting Those Who Protect Us: A Pilot Skin Cancer Screening and Education Initiative for Firefighters" (2025). Research Colloquium. 98.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2025/posters/98
Included in
Protecting Those Who Protect Us: A Pilot Skin Cancer Screening and Education Initiative for Firefighters
Background: Firefighters are at elevated risk for skin cancer due to chronic exposure to carcinogens such as soot and combustion byproducts. However, targeted skin cancer prevention efforts in this population are rare. This study evaluated the feasibility and early impact of a firefighter-focused skin cancer screening and educational intervention.
Methods: Firefighters from the Harlingen Fire Department (N = 23 pre-survey; N = 21 post-survey) participated in a free skin cancer screening and educational event. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys assessing skin cancer knowledge (8-item multiple-choice quiz), self-reported confidence in skin self-examinations, perceived risk factors, and support for routine screening. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and post-intervention changes in perceptions. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores were compared using group means and Welch’s independent t-test. Post-survey confidence and behavior responses were analyzed using proportions.
Results: Post-intervention, 76.2% of participants reported increased confidence in performing skin self-checks, 81.0% reported improved understanding of skin cancer risk factors, 100.0% learned how to better protect their skin, and 85.7% endorsed the importance of yearly skin cancer screening. Overall knowledge scores were high at baseline (mean pre-score: 7.65/8) and improved slightly after the intervention (mean post-score: 7.86/8), though the gain was not statistically significant (p = 0.197).
Conclusions: This pilot screening event was well-received and demonstrated the feasibility of firefighter-targeted education. While overall gains were modest due to high baseline knowledge, directional trends linked to training and occupational behavior provide a foundation for scaled, tailored interventions. Future efforts should expand sample size, include dermatologic exam findings, and explore how baseline knowledge profiles can guide more personalized educational delivery.
