AB037. SOH24AB_027. Knowledge and attitudes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients regarding skin cancer risk and photoprotective behaviours

Background: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland. People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at higher risk of skin cancer, both independent of treatment, and associated with treatment-related immunosuppression.

Methods: A questionnaire was given to patients attending our IBD clinic. Clinical data were recorded including diagnosis, immunosuppressants, skin cancer risk factors and photoprotective behaviours.

Results: A total of 87 patients (52% women) with IBD [Crohn’s 62.8%, ulcerative colitis (UC) 35%], were included. All participants were Caucasian, with 77% having fair/very fair skin. Most patients (96.5%) were on treatment for their IBD (biologic =65.8%, immunomodulator =25.4%). Over a third of participants (35%) were unaware of an increased skin cancer risk associated with IBD. Four patients had a history of skin cancer, two of which were melanoma. Half of patients (48.2%) had been sunburnt in the last year, 36% had over ten burns in their lifetime, 57% of patients reported a history of blistering sunburn and 22% of patients had used sunbeds. Knowledge of skin cancer risk factors and worrisome features was generally good and the majority of our cohort (74.4%) always wore sun-cream abroad. However, less than half wore sun cream frequently in Ireland (37%) or when it is cloudy (22%) and also failed to take other important measures; re-applying sun cream every 2 hours (43.3%), wearing a hat (26%) or protective clothing (32.4%).

Conclusions: Our study highlights gaps in our IBD cohort’s education regarding skin cancer risk and prevention. Ideally educational interventions to enhance patient awareness should be undertaken and assessed.

Keywords: Skin cancer; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); melanoma; immunosuppression; photoprotection