BI27: Skin cancer awareness in liver transplant recipients in Ireland: an answer to a burning question
L.F. Kiely,1,2 C. McShane,1 C. Gleeson1,2 and O. Crosbie1
1Cork University Hospital and 2South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
Liver transplant recipients (LTRs) are a high-risk group for developing cutaneous malignancy secondary to immunosuppression. However, studies suggest that patients have suboptimal awareness of the risk and are poorly compliant with sun protection. We aimed to evaluate the sun protection practices of Irish LTRs and their awareness of the increased risk of cutaneous malignancy. A single-centre cross-sectional study was performed of all LTRs attending hepatology clinics in a large tertiary hospital in Ireland. Sixty-three patients were telephoned and questioned regarding their frequency and method of photoprotection and knowledge of skin cancer risk. Secondary outcomes related to adherence to national malignancy screening programmes, including cervical, breast and bowel screening. Fifty patients responded to our survey (79% response rate). The majority of patients reported different methods of photoprotection with 74% (n = 37) using sunscreen, 58% (n = 29) sun avoidance and 52% (n = 26) using physical protection. Sixty-six per cent (n = 33) use sunscreen on sunny days, with only 16% (n = 8) practising daily application. Eighty-six per cent (n = 43) of our LTRs were aware of their increased risk of cutaneous malignancy; however, 68% (n = 34) have never undergone a skin check. Secondary outcomes regarding general malignancy screening showed that 77% (n = 10) of women were up-to-date with cervical screening, 87% (n = 7) availed of mammograms and 82% (n = 23) were bowel screening compliant. Immunosuppressed LTRs represent a high-risk group for developing skin cancer, but despite awareness of this risk, photoprotection and sunscreen use in Irish LTRs is substandard. It is vital to promote education and increase specialist dermatology clinics to ensure adequate protection for this vulnerable group.
