Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-00242

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Knowledge Gaps on Skin Cancer and Sun Protection in Organ Transplant Recipients Under Long-term Immunosuppression.

Wiedenmayer, N. ; Rocholl, M. ; Enk, A. H.DKFZ* ; Lonsdorf, A. S.DKFZ*

2026
Acta Dermato-Venereologica Uppsala

Abstract: Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) face an elevated risk of skin cancer due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and the need for chronic immunosuppression. Patient education is essential for early skin cancer detection and prevention. This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge and attitudes regarding sun protection and skin cancer among 177 OTRs during their routine check-up at a specialized dermatologic outpatient clinic in a German University Hospital, using the validated Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge (SCSK) scale. Demographic, clinical and transplant-related variables were analysed to identify factors associated with specific knowledge gaps. The mean SCSK score was 16.59 (standard deviation, SD±3.96). While most patients understood basic sun protection, key deficits were noted in their understanding of tanning risks, the meaning of sun protection factor (SPF) and symptoms of skin cancer. Heart transplant recipients (p=0.002) and those with immunosuppression >3 years (p=0.028) had significantly lower scores indicating inferior knowledge. Male sex and age <40 and >60 years were also associated with lower knowledge levels. Self-reported 'well-informed' patients scored significantly higher (p=0.003). Despite specialized routine dermatologic care, knowledge gaps persist in high-risk subgroups of OTRs, highlighting the need for targeted, longitudinal education strategies in interdisciplinary transplant aftercare.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Skin Neoplasms: prevention & control (MeSH) ; Skin Neoplasms: etiology (MeSH) ; Skin Neoplasms: immunology (MeSH) ; Skin Neoplasms: diagnosis (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; Cross-Sectional Studies (MeSH) ; Adult (MeSH) ; Immunosuppressive Agents: adverse effects (MeSH) ; Transplant Recipients: psychology (MeSH) ; Organ Transplantation: adverse effects (MeSH) ; Risk Factors (MeSH) ; Patient Education as Topic (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Sunscreening Agents: therapeutic use (MeSH) ; Time Factors (MeSH) ; Immunocompromised Host (MeSH) ; Immunosuppression Therapy: adverse effects (MeSH) ; Germany (MeSH) ; Sun Protection Factor (MeSH) ; Ultraviolet Rays: adverse effects (MeSH) ; Sunlight: adverse effects (MeSH) ; Young Adult (MeSH) ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Sunscreening Agents

Note: #NCTZFB9# / epub

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Koordinierungsstelle NCT Heidelberg (HD02)

Research Program(s):

1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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