Teens, Tweets, and Tanning Beds: Rethinking the Use of Social Media for Skin Cancer Prevention

Abstract

The incidence of skin cancer is rising in the U.S., and melanoma, the deadliest form, is increasing disproportionately among young white women. Indoor tanning is a modifiable risk factor for all skin cancers and continues to be used at the highest rates in young white women. Adolescents and young adults report personal appearance–based reasons for using indoor tanning. Previous research has explored the influences on tanning bed use, including individual factors as well as relationships with peers, family, schools, media influences, legislation, and societal beauty norms. Adolescents and young adults also have high rates of social media usage, and research is emerging on how best to utilize these platforms for prevention. Social media has the potential to be a cost-effective way to reach large numbers of young people and target messages at characteristics of specific audiences. Recent prevention efforts have shown that comprehensive prevention campaigns that include technology and social media are promising in reducing rates of indoor tanning among young adults. This review examines the literature on psychosocial influences on indoor tanning among adolescents and young adults, and highlights ways in which technology and social media can be used for prevention efforts.

‘I saw it on Facebook!’ Assessing the influence of social media on patient presentation to a melanoma screening clinic

“…7 Dermatologists use SoMe to interact with other healthcare professionals in skin cancer diagnosis, 8 and evidence exists of dermatology authorities utilizing SoMe to provide public health messages. 9,10 There is no publicly available information regarding authority spend on such resources. There is evidence of patient posting of skin lesion 'selfies' on SoMe influencing internet searches.…”

Cancer Prevention During Early Adulthood: Highlights From a Meeting of Experts

“… 66 Another example is The Bigger Picture, a novel partnership between the University of California, San Francisco Center for Vulnerable Populations and Youth Speaks (a youth empowerment group focused on youth literacy) to engage young adults in developing health-related messages. 67 The papers by Hiatt and colleagues, 68 Ling et al, 69 and Falzone colleagues 70 in this special issue reiterate that communicating prevention messages in venues and via channels popular among young adults is critical to intervention success. Those developing such interventions should also consider accompanying behaviors to avoid inadvertently substituting one harmful product with another or missing an opportunity to promote healthy behaviors.…”

Setting the Stage: Advancing a Cancer Prevention Agenda for Young Adults

“…For example, tailored interventions could take into account the learners' risk profile, their information needs, their interest in incorporating behavioral change, 18 and whether they have the skills necessary to adopt desired changes. The intervention could also be multi-phased, including reinforcement of behavioral change through online behavioral reminders, such as those described by Falzone and colleagues, 19 and other social media efforts.…”