Skin Cancer Prevention Outreach for Agricultural Workers: A Farm Show Survey.

BACKGROUND

Agricultural workers are at increased risk for skin cancer due to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure, yet many underutilize sun protection. Brief, community-based educational interventions may improve knowledge and preventive behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

To provide targeted skin cancer education and promote sun protection behaviors among agricultural workers in South Dakota.

METHODS

Twenty agricultural workers attending the Vermillion and Sioux Falls Farm Shows participated in a pre- and post-educational survey. Inclusion criteria included: ≥18 years old, English-speaking, and working in agriculture. Participants completed a seven-question pre-survey assessing sun exposure, sun protection habits, and knowledge of skin cancer. They then received a 10-minute tutorial on skin cancer risk factors, sun protection, and self-examinations. A post-survey assessed knowledge gained and intended behavior changes. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests evaluated pre- to post-intervention changes, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Post-intervention, participants showed significant improvements in recognizing melanoma warning signs (mean Δ = 0.90; p < 0.001) and identifying the most common type of skin cancer (mean Δ = 0.65; p < 0.001). Intent to use sunscreen increased significantly (mean Δ = 0.38; p = 0.009), though no meaningful changes were observed for wide-brim hat or protective clothing use. Participants reported a high likelihood of engaging in sun protection behaviors (mean 4.38/5).

CONCLUSION

Brief, targeted educational sessions at farm shows effectively increase skin cancer awareness and self-reported intent to adopt sun-protective behaviors among South Dakota agricultural workers.