Attitudes about skin cancer prevention: a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Skin cancer represents a significant threat to the health and well-being of Americans. By engaging in both primary and secondary preventive behaviors, individuals can reduce their risks of developing skin cancer.


METHODS
Focus groups were used as a qualitative technique to explore the similarities and differences between those who practiced skin cancer prevention (a high-concern group) and those who did not (a low-concern group). Transcripts from the discussions were analyzed to identify themes regarding participants' attitudes, beliefs, and practices about skin cancer prevention.


RESULTS
Seven themes emerged from the data: 1) benefits of sun exposure; 2) salience of skin cancer prevention; 3) perceived seriousness of the sun's harmful effects; 4) personal connection to skin cancer; 5) media attention regarding skin cancer; 6) problems with sunscreens; and 7) preventive health "have-tos."


CONCLUSIONS
To improve skin cancer prevention, health education interventions must attend to individuals' attitudes about sun exposure and address the barriers related to them.
Gerbert
B
B
Division of Behavioral Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
Johnston
K
K
Bleecker
T
T
McPhee
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006370:Heliotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012495:San Francisco; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D013471:Sunburn / Q000523:psychology; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013473:Sunscreening Agents