Due to the nature of working outdoors, many farmers experience high
levels of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) whereby, increasing their risk for skin cancer. The
primary goal of this study was to evaluate personal behavior and perception on sun protection among
farmers attending a regional farm show in North Carolina. Methods: Farmers (n = 397) were asked
to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding behavior and importance of using personal
sun protection (i.e., sunblock, etc.,) when working outdoors. Results: There were 285 (71.8%)
male farmers and 79 (19.9%) female farmers with a mean age of 54 years. Overall, the majority of
farmers recognized the importance of protecting themselves from the sun, however, actual personal
behavior for using proper protection methods ranked low. Farmers with lighter, fairer skin tended to
use more sun protection and ranked the importance of sun protection higher when compared to those
with skin that was less likely to burn in the sun. Conclusion: The importance of personal sun protection