SUCCESSFUL BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT CANCER: The Example of Skin Cancer

Abstract

Important behavioral sources of risk for cancer have been identified and programs to reduce this risk have been initiated. The most heavily studied behavioral risk is tobacco use, but considerable attention has also gone to prevention of skin cancer by modifying sun exposure. Research has shown a strong link between sun exposure and skin cancer, and opportunities to prevent this cancer by changing behavior should be effective. Unlike unmodifiable sources of risk, sun exposure should be modifiable through behavioral intervention. This review considers research in this expanding area, concentrating on predictors of sun protective behaviors, modification of sun exposure, and surveillance for early signs of cancer. The elements of behavior change programs that contribute to successful intervention as well as barriers to successful behavior change and future directions for this effort are considered.

Social norms information enhances the efficacy of an appearance-based sun protection intervention

“…There is evidence in both the U.S. and Australia that knowledge of the skin cancersun exposure link and of risk reduction behaviors has increased over the past 15-20 years (Baum & Cohen, 1998;Robinson, Rigel, & Amonette, 1997;The Cancer Council, Australia, 2007). Yet research suggests that young adults in particular continue to receive large amounts of both intentional and incidental UV exposure without adequate protection (Hoegh, Davis, & Manthe, 1999;Robinson et al, 1997).…”

Training Program to Raise Consciousness Among Adolescents for Protection Against Skin Cancer through Performance of Skin Self Examination

“…Nearly half of the adolescents indicated that their skins are sometimes tanned and tanning moderately affects their skin. The previous studies reported that the history of blistering sunburn, even once, in childhood and overexposure to sun increase the risk for skin cancer (Baum and Cohen, 1998;Lowe et al, 2002;Maguire-Eise et al, 2005). It is important that adolescents especially under risk due to types of their skin should be informed about the protective measures against the harmful effects of sun.…”

“…Approximately half of the adolescents stated to have fewer than 10 moles in their bodies. In literature, it is reported that having light hair color, blue-green eye color and light skin color and the presence of multiple moles in body increase the risk for skin cancer (Baum and Cohen, 1998;Cokkinides et al, 2002;Emmons et al, 2008;Saridi et al, 2009). Our findings are similar to the results of the study performed by Uysal et al (2004) on 12-15 years of age students in Izmir reported that nearly 35% of students have light eye and skin color and also moles.…”

“…The incidence is 0.6% in men and mortality rate is 0.4%, while these rates are 1.0% and 0.7% in women (Globocan 2008). There is a risk of skin cancer for everyone; however, people with light skin, multiple moles and stains, overexposure to sun and history of sunburn are under higher risk of skin cancer (Baum and Cohen 1998;Cokkinides et al, 2002;Emmons et al, 2008;Feher et al, 2010;Heckman and Coups 2011). Due to the strong relationship between sunburns in childhood and skin cancer, 80% of all skin cancer cases can be prevented with suitable protective measures (Boyett et al, 2002;Baz et al, 2003;Balk, 2011).…”

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“…Persuasive, easily understood, and consistent education regarding the high risk for skin cancer and preventive strategies to minimize this risk should be an essential part of the annual transplantation evaluation. 50,51 Multimedia educational resources may enhance patient compliance with prophylactic and preventative interventions. Ideally, close coordination with dermatologists will permit the effective education and administration of preventative and prophylactic therapies and allow early recognition of these common cutaneous neoplasms.…”