Background:

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in humans and its incidence increases. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main environmental factor associated with this cancer. Athletes have a greater risk to develop skin cancer. Up to date in Colombia, this population has not been studied.

Objective:

To describe the behaviors and photoprotection measures in athletes of Valle de Aburrá.

Materials and methods:

Cross sectional study. Sociodemographic, clinical variables and related to photoprotective habits were evaluated. Depending on the type of variable, mean and standard deviation or absolute and relative counts were used.

Results:

One hundred twenty two athletes were included, 56% were men, the whole group had an average age of 20 years. 74% of sports were played outdoors; soccer was the most frequent sport. 75% of participants trained four or more times per week and 55% did so in hours with very high RUV. 27% of athletes reported between 1 to 3 insolations in childhood. Chemical photoprotection was used more frequently than physical.

Conclusions:

This is the first study in Colombia that shows the need to improve skin cancer primary and secondary prevention strategies in this population.

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