Sun exposure and protection practices in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A Survey‐Based Cross‐Sectional Cohort Study

Background/objective Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at an increased risk for skin cancers. Sun exposure is a significant modifiable environmental risk factor. While patient education on sun protection and avoidance behaviors with regular dermatology evaluations are crucial for pediatric HSCT patients, the real-life practice of these sun-protection recommendations in this patient population compared to their peers is unknown. Methods A survey-based cross-sectional cohort study was performed in pediatric HSCT patients seen at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital over a 1.5-year period compared with age/sex/Fitzpatrick skin phototype-matched healthy controls. Study participants were surveyed using the validated Glanz survey for pediatric sun protection behavioral research. Results Eighty-five pediatric HSCT patients and 85 controls completed the study. Pediatric HSCT patients more frequently used sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses and obtained full-body skin exams compared to controls. No difference was observed in sun exposure during hours of peak sun intensity, frequency of purposeful tanning, tanning bed use, and the number of painful sunburns received between pediatric HSCT patients and controls. Conclusions Although pediatric HSCT patients practice more sun protection behaviors, they experienced harmful sunburns and intentional tanning behaviors at the same rate as their peers. Patient-directed counseling and strategies to improve patient adherence to optimal sun protection behaviors could have a significant impact on the dermatology quality of life in pediatric HSCT patients.