HEALTH EDUCATION STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED BY NURSES IN THE PREVENTION OF MALIGNANT SKIN NEOPLASMS

Abstract

Skin cancer is one of the most frequent neoplasms, especially in tropical countries like Brazil, where intense sun exposure occurs throughout the year. The literature highlights the high incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer and the higher lethality of melanoma, due to its high metastatic potential. The disease is mainly related to unprotected sun exposure, light skin phototypes, and behavioral factors. Photoprotection measures and early diagnosis can prevent a large proportion of cases, reinforcing the importance of effective health education actions. In this scenario, nurses play a strategic role in promoting protective habits, identifying suspicious lesions, and guiding the population, directly contributing to the reduction of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to analyze nursing educational strategies focused on skin cancer prevention, describing health promotion actions and discussing the nurse's contribution to raising awareness about risks and preventive measures. The methodology consisted of a descriptive and qualitative literature review, conducted in the BVS, LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF, and Google Scholar databases, following combined descriptors and specific inclusion criteria, resulting in the selection of 22 studies. The results indicate that educational actions, awareness campaigns, and the use of technologies strengthen skin cancer prevention, highlighting the nurse as an essential agent in health promotion and early detection. It is concluded that nursing plays a fundamental role in encouraging self-care, guiding preventive practices, and contributing to the improvement of collective health and quality of life.