Avaliação do conhecimento sobre câncer de pele em profissionais da saúde e pacientes na atenção primária de saúde do Distrito Federal

Abstract

Introduction: Skin cancer is one of the main contemporary public health challenges, presenting high incidence and significant socioeconomic impact. In the Brazilian context, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm, representing approximately 33% of all cancer records in the country. Given the severity of the disease and its curative potential when detected early, Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a strategic role as the coordinating pillar of the network and the gateway for screening and health education. However, the effectiveness of this control may be limited by gaps in the technical knowledge of teams and in the population's perception of risk. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of physicians and nurses working in the PHC of the Federal District, Brazil, regarding skin cancer diagnosis, prevention, and risk factors, as well as to investigate the level of information and preventive practices of the population assisted in these units. Method: An observational, analytical, quantitative, and cross-sectional study conducted in 14 Basic Health Units (UBS) covering the seven health regions of the Federal District. The sample consisted of 122 professionals (G1) – physicians and nurses - and 150 patients (G2). Data were collected via in-person questionnaires addressing sociodemographic variables, theoretical knowledge, clinical practices, screening tools (such as the ABCDE mnemonic), and risk factors. Statistical analysis used Pearson's Chi-square test and Student's t-test, with a significance level of 5%, classifying as "satisfactory" a score of 50% or more on the objective questionnaire items. Results: Among health professionals, 67.21% presented unsatisfactory knowledge on the subject. Only 7.38% reported routinely performing skin physical examinations, and 54.10% were unfamiliar with the ABCDE method. It was found that physicians have significantly higher chances of identifying suspicious lesions (O.R.=5.610) and knowing the ABCDE method (O.R.=4.800) compared to nurses. In the patient group, 80% demonstrated unsatisfactory knowledge. The main sources of information were television (49.62%) and the internet (45.11%), while only 16.54% received guidance during consultations. Alarmingly, 74.67% of users stated their skin had never been examined at the UBS, and 86% were never guided on how to perform a skin self-examination. Obstacles such as lack of time (53.28%) and lack of specific training (54.10%) were the most cited difficulties by professionals. Conclusions: The study highlights a critical deficit in technical proficiency and preventive care practices related to skin cancer in the Federal District. Academic background and length of service proved to be determinants of the level of knowledge, revealing asymmetries between professional categories. Regarding patients, the lack of knowledge about the subject—as well as prevention methods—is even more pronounced, underscoring the inadequacy of health education within Primary Health Care (PHC). The implementation of Continuing Health Education (CHE) programs, standardization of active visual screening protocols, and the strengthening of the UBS as a primary source of scientific education are urgently needed to optimize early diagnosis and increase survival rates for SUS users.