Attitudes about skin cancer prevention: a qualitative study

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. Focus groups were used as a qualitative technique to explore the similarities and diffe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of cancer education Vol. 11; no. 2; p. 96
Main Authors Gerbert, B, Johnston, K, Bleecker, T, McPhee, S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 1996
Subjects
Adult
Attitude to Health
Female
Focus Groups
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Heliotherapy - adverse effects
Heliotherapy - psychology
Humans
Male
Mass Media
Middle Aged
Sampling Studies
San Francisco
Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control
Skin Neoplasms - psychology
Sunburn - psychology
Sunlight - adverse effects
Sunscreening Agents - therapeutic use
San Francisco
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Summary: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. 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. 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." To improve skin cancer prevention, health education interventions must attend to individuals' attitudes about sun exposure and address the barriers related to them.
ISSN:0885-8195