Beyond the surface: a collaborative effort for free skin cancer screenings in an underserved community

Skin cancer rates continue to rise in underserved populations, particularly among Hispanics who often present with later-stage diagnoses. While photoprotective practices and regular skin examinations can mitigate risks, barriers such as limited dermatologist access and insufficient awareness persist. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based educational intervention in improving skin cancer awareness and prevention behaviors in an underserved U.S.-Mexico border community. We conducted a community-based educational intervention combining bilingual (English/Spanish) skin cancer education sessions with free skin screenings. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding skin cancer prevention. The intervention was conducted in El Paso, Texas, where 83% of the population is Hispanic. Surveys evaluated demographic information, skin cancer knowledge, and intended sun protection behaviors. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Among 51 participants completing pre-surveys and 44 completing post-surveys, 80% identified as Hispanic. Following the intervention, participants showed significant improvement in skin cancer knowledge scores (p = 0.017). Confidence in sun protection practices increased from 73% to 100%. The proportion of participants planning to apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas rose from 54% to 72%, and the intended use of sun-protective clothing increased from 80% to 95%. Notably, 22% of participants lacked health insurance, highlighting the importance of free screening initiatives. This community-based intervention effectively improved skin cancer knowledge and intended sun protective practices among participants in an underserved border community. The significant increases in both knowledge and intended preventive behaviors suggest that culturally appropriate, bilingual educational programs can successfully address gaps in dermatological care awareness and access. Future public health initiatives should prioritize similar outreach efforts to reduce the burden of ultraviolet-induced skin cancers in underserved populations.