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. 2025 Jul;39(7):1297-1305.
doi: 10.1111/jdv.20461. Epub 2024 Dec 5.

Beyond the scoreboard: Coaches' UV-related skin cancer knowledge in outdoor sports

Sven Schneider  1 , Zoe A Parsons  1 , Sophie Leer  1
Affiliations

Beyond the scoreboard: Coaches' UV-related skin cancer knowledge in outdoor sports

Sven Schneider et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Background: The global rise in UV radiation is widely recognized as one of the most relevant health impacts of climate change. Consequently, the prevalence of skin cancer is experiencing a significant increase, with outdoor athletes being identified as a particularly vulnerable population group.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the extent of UV-specific skin cancer knowledge among coaches in outdoor sports and to examine potential variations in this knowledge between different sports, coach- and club-specific factors.

Methods: This nationwide representative study was conducted among outdoor sports coaches from the 10 largest outdoor sports associations in Germany. Their knowledge of the risks associated with UV radiation and prevention measures were evaluated using the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale (SCSK Scale).

Results: Out of 1200 participating trainers, the UV-specific skin cancer knowledge score averaged 17.76 (±2.98) on a scale ranging from 0 to 25. The true-false statements 'A tan is a sign that the skin is damaged' (true) and 'When using sunscreen, you can tan without any negative effects' (false) were most frequently answered incorrectly. Only 16% of participants correctly identified basal cell carcinoma as the most prevalent form of skin cancer. Differences in UV-specific skin cancer knowledge were evident across different sports, with football and tennis coaches showing the major knowledge deficits. Conversely, trainers in skiing, swimming and mountain sports demonstrated the highest levels of knowledge. Significant deficiencies in knowledge were particularly notable among male trainers, as well as those from the youngest and the oldest age group, with limited training experience and who primarily worked with children and adolescents in small clubs on a regular basis.

Conclusions: Serious knowledge deficiencies are evident among German outdoor sports coaches. The study results emphasize the necessity for enhanced coach education and the implementation of evaluated concepts for climate adaptation in sports.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge (SCSK) Scale by type of sport. Arithmetic mean of the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge (SCSK) Scale by type of sport (n = 1200; ANOVA: F‐value: 3.48, df = 9, p < 0.001).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Graphical abstract of negative bivariate significant (p < 0.05) associations between the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge (SCSK) Scale and coach and club characteristics of the 10 largest outdoor sports organizations.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Actual and desired information practice on UV‐related health risks by responsible sports institutions from the perspective of German coaches from the 10 largest outdoor sports associations. N = 1200. Light pink = Proportion of trainers who were actually informed about UV‐related health risks by a sports institution (%). Dark red = Proportion of coaches who would like information from a sports institution about UV‐related health risks (%).
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