A skin cancer education initiative at a professional baseball game and results of a skin cancer survey.
BACKGROUND
It is important to develop an understanding of what the public knows about skin cancer and what sun safety precautions they are taking. Research on the evaluation of skin cancer education targeting adults is minimal.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the knowledge and behavior related to skin cancer and sun exposure, and to determine if an informal interaction between dermatologists and the public could promote skin cancer awareness and precautions.


METHODS
In May 2000, a dermatologist-staffed educational booth was set up at an Indianapolis Indians baseball game. Attendees were educated through discussions and handouts. Attendees completed a self-administered questionnaire prior to this interaction and a mailed follow-up questionnaire in August 2000.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-six attendees participated in May, and 60 completed the second questionnaire in August. The May results revealed that 92% believed that sun exposure caused skin cancer; 37% used sunscreens "sometimes" and 29%"never." There was a significant decrease in the number of hours spent outdoors per week during the summer of 2000 compared to 1999.


CONCLUSIONS
Frequent and unprotected sun exposure occurs despite awareness of the adverse effects. Although the number of subjects in our study was small, informal education at public events has the potential to influence behavior.
Jungers
Emily Ann
EA
Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Guenthner
Scott Thomas
ST
Farmer
Evan R
ER
Perkins
Susan M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001484:Baseball; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013473:Sunscreening Agents