Coverage of Skin Cancer Risk Factors and UV Behaviors in Popular U.S. Magazines from 2000 to 2012

Sex differences and risk behaviors among indoor tanners

Objective

The objectives were to examine (1) sex differences in factors associated with indoor tanning, and (2) the relationship between cancer risk perception and skin cancer screening among indoor tanners.

Methods

Data are from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. The sample was limited to U.S. adults (≥ 18 years) using an indoor tanning device in the last year (N = 1177). We conducted bivariate and multivariate weighted analyses.

Results

Among indoor tanners, less than 30% of men and women reported having ever had a skin exam. Male sex was significantly associated with rarely/never using sunscreen (51.4% of men vs. 36.4% of women) and with binge drinking of alcohol (47.6% of men vs. 37.4% of women). No sex differences in smoking were present. Indoor tanners who perceived themselves “about equally likely” to develop cancer (any type) as similar others were less likely to have received a skin cancer examination than those with high perceived risk.

Conclusion

The relationship of cancer risk perception to skin cancer screening is complex. Rates of risk and protective behaviors observed among men and women who indoor tan suggest mixed-sex tanning prevention efforts should target multiple risk behaviors.

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We analyzed data on indoor tanners from a national survey.

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A significant percentage of female tanners uses sunscreen regularly.

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Tanners who perceive moderate cancer risk reported lowest rates of cancer screening.

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Indoor tanners of both sexes engage in frequent risky behaviors.

An Advertisement and Article Analysis of Skin Products and Topics in Popular Women's Magazines: Implications for Skin Cancer Prevention

BACKGROUND

In the United States, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, with an estimated 5 million people treated per year and annual medical treatment expenditures that exceed 8 billion dollars. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to enumerate the number of advertisements for skin products with and without Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and to further analyze the specific advertisements for sunblock to determine if models, when present, depict sun safe behaviors and 2) to enumerate the number of articles related to the skin for content. Both aims include an assessment for differences in age and in magazines targeting a Black or Latina population.

METHODS

The sample for this cross sectional study was comprised of 99 issues of 14 popular United States magazines marketed to women, four of which market to a Black or Latina audience.

RESULTS

There were 6,142 advertisements, of which 1,215 (19.8%, 95% CI: 18.8-20.8%) were related to skin products. Among the skin product advertisements, 1,145 (93.8%, 95% CI: 93.9-96.3%) depicted skin products without SPF. The majority of skin articles (91.2%, 95% CI: 91.7-100.0%), skin product advertisements (89.9%, 95% CI: 88.2-91.6%), and sunblock advertisements featuring models (were found in magazines aimed at the older (>24 yr) audience.

CONCLUSION

Future research on this topic could focus on the extent to which images in these magazines translate into risky health behaviors, such as sun seeking, or excessive other harmful effects of UV radiation.