Collegiate athletes who play tennis and golf spend significant time outdoors and increase their risk of skin cancer. This study aimed to gain insight into the sun protection behaviors of collegiate golfers and tennis players competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. A survey was distributed to NCAA Division I golf and tennis teams within Power 5 collegiate conferences. Of the 84 respondents, 50% indicated sunscreen use more than 75% of the time while playing their sport, but only 4.8% engaged in sunscreen reapplication. The main barriers to reapplication were due primarily to slippery hands (70.2%) or forgetfulness (63.4%). Most athletes do not apply sunscreen to hands, ears, chest, or lips, and either never or rarely wear sunscreen while outside when they are not playing their sport (54.8%). Thirty-three percent were unsure or did not believe they were at an increased risk for skin cancer, and 16.6% were unsure or did not believe that sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Most collegiate athletes recognize their increased risk of skin cancer; nevertheless, they are unlikely to reapply sunscreen and often do not apply sunscreen to commonly missed areas. Increased education and resources may help promote lifelong safe sun exposure habits and reduce skin cancer risk.
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