DERMATOLOGICAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: STRATEGIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF SKIN CANCER

Abstract

Skin cancer represents a significant global public health problem, characterized by high incidence and a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality, especially when diagnosed at advanced stages. In this context, Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a central role in health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate referral of suspected cases, establishing itself as an essential strategy in addressing this neoplasm. The present study is a literature review aimed at analyzing the importance of PHC organization and the training of health professionals for the early diagnosis of skin cancer, considering etiological and classification aspects, risk factors, clinical guidelines, and preventive and therapeutic approaches. This is a descriptive and qualitative literature review conducted through the analysis of scientific articles and official documents published between 2016 and 2025. The findings demonstrate that early diagnosis is directly associated with better clinical outcomes, reduced need for invasive interventions, and decreased mortality, particularly in cases of melanoma. Educational actions, health surveillance, and the integration of PHC principles—access, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, and care coordination — are shown to contribute significantly to reducing the disease burden. It is concluded that strengthening Primary Health Care, combined with professional qualification and the application of implementation science, is fundamental to skin cancer control and to improving public health indicators.