Calvo, Cristina

Skin cancer is a prevalent malignancy in the United States, with disparities in outcomes notably affecting individuals with skin of color (SoC). To avoid the assumption that "skin of color" refers solely to African Americans, skin of color also includes individuals of Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander and Native American descent. While the incidence of skin cancer is lower among Skin of color, late-stage diagnoses contribute to greater morbidity and mortality compared to lighter-skinned populations. This DNP quality improvement project aims to enhance skin cancer awareness and self-assessment practices among SoC in Belle Glade, Florida, a predominantly underserved rural community. Leveraging culturally tailored educational interventions, the project includes a multimedia approach combining educational brochures and a video featuring diverse skin tones and anatomical visuals of skin cancer lesions. Guided by Madeleine Leininger’s Culture Care Theory and the IHI Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, this initiative seeks to address health inequities by improving knowledge about prevention, detection, and self-advocacy. Participants were recruited through a health fair, where pre- and post-intervention surveys measured changes in skin cancer knowledge and self-assessment behaviors. Anticipated outcomes include increased awareness of skin cancer risks, adoption of self-assessment practices, and improved resource awareness for SoC individuals in the community. The project's broader goal is to bridge the gap in dermatological care disparities, fostering sustainable changes in patient education and health literacy while addressing systemic inequities in skin health outcomes. Results will inform future interventions and contribute to a more inclusive approach to skin cancer prevention and treatment.