Smoking cessation counseling as a teachable moment for skin cancer prevention: pilot studies.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct pilot research examining smoking cessation counseling as a teachable moment for skin cancer prevention.


METHODS
Study I surveyed 199 beachgoers regarding skin cancer protection. Study II compared a standard smoking cessation treatment against one that incorporated skin cancer education (N=35).


RESULTS
In Study I, smokers were less likely than nonsmokers to wear sunscreen or perform skin self-examinations. In Study II, participants were satisfied with the integrated program; smoking cessation treatment efficacy was not compromised; and skin cancer knowledge and self-efficacy increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Further study of smoking cessation as a teachable moment for other health behavior change is warranted.
Tobacco Research & Intervention Program, Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of South Florida and, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33617, USA. vani.simmons@moffitt.org
Vani Nath
VN
Simmons
Jennifer Irvin
JI
Vidrine
Thomas H
TH
Brandon
D000328:Adult; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016353:Self-Examination; D012867:Skin; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013473:Sunscreening Agents