Review date
July 2024
Article publication date
July 2024
Summary
This randomised controlled trial in the USA studied the effect of three digital intervention programs on skin cancer risk protection practices. The authors recruited 1369 participants aged 18-25 and provided them with information on skin cancer risk factors in the form of either a basic pamphlet, an interactive program from a previous study or a new, enhanced interactive program. The efficacy of the three programs was then assessed over a 52-week period by evaluating the self-reported sun protection and skin cancer awareness behaviours of the participants. 1144 people completed all 52 weeks of the sun protection program.
The results showed a statistically significant difference between both interactive programs on sun protection and habitual skin protection behaviour compared to the basic pamphlet. Other behaviours like skin self-examinations, sunscreen use and indoor tanning were also examined and while some weeks showed a significant difference between the interactive programs and the basic pamphlet, there was no consistent difference. Overall, the authors concluded that while the interactive programs were more effective than the basic pamphlet, there was no difference in efficacy between their original interactive program and the newly enhanced program.
Link to
Published in
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Commentary by ARPANSA
Despite the vast amount of conclusive scientific information available on the effects of sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on health, particularly on skin cancer and melanoma risk, it remains an ongoing challenge to translate this information into meaningful behavioural change. This is particularly important in Australia where, although the average UV-index is very high, the climate is moderate year-round and outdoor activities are a large part of the prevailing culture. Although recent studies (De Pinto et al., 2024) detail some positive trends for melanoma incidence in Australia, the incidence rates remain some of the highest in the world. As such, skin cancers, including melanoma, continue to constitute a large public health burden. Sun health promotion campaigns have been shown to have a beneficial impact on public awareness (Tabbakh et al., 2019) and are also cost-effective (Shih et al., 2009). This study, and others like it, help to develop methodologies for improving the prevalence of preventative behaviour, ultimately to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of skin cancers.
More information about the risks of sun exposure and methods of sun protection can be found from: The World Health Organization, The Cancer Council of Australia and SunSmart websites. ARPANSA recommends following the five sun protection principles when the UV-index is over three. ARPANSA administers and maintains UVR monitoring stations across Australia that can be used to see the UV-index in real time across Australia and make informed decisions about sun protection.
