A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found Latinos do not examine their skin regularly for signs of skin cancer.

The study showed that three out of every four Hispanics are not performing skin self-exams. Skin self-exams have been found to be very beneficial in the early detection of melanoma. In addition the study found that many Latinos did not understand the risk factors associated with skin cancer. Many did not know that exposure to sun was a leading cause of skin cancer.

Researchers point out that dark-skinned people still develop melanoma though they are at a lower risk. Studies have found that Hispanics and African-Americans are more likely to come to their physicians with advanced stages of skin cancer.

The study concluded primary physicians need to do a better job of educating their Latino patients about the benefits of skin self-exams. Another recent study found that language needs to be considered when developing skin cancer prevention strategies. English-speaking Hispanics were more likely than Spanish-speaking Hispanics to take preventive measures against skin cancer, like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using sun block.