Correlates of Sun Protection and Sunburn in Children of Melanoma Survivors

Evaluating How a School-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Program Can Change Behavior Among North Carolina Highschoolers

The incidence of skin cancer has risen steadily over recent decades. Childhood and adolescent sun exposure remains a critical risk factor in skin cancer development, making education of high schoolers imperative for promoting sun-safe behaviors. Medical students in North Carolina recognized this need and designed a skin cancer education program focused on portraying skin cancer in individuals with all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes. Eighty-seven students completed the pre-survey, and 84 completed the post-session survey. In the post-survey, 88% of students listed actionable behavioral changes they plan to make following the presentation. Following an educational session, students were able to demonstrate their new knowledge and provide meaningful behavioral changes. This program navigated challenges posed by COVID-19 and addressed the need for more inclusive skin cancer educational material.

Moderating influences on parents' fatalistic beliefs about cancer and their association with sun safety behaviors among children of melanoma survivors: Implications for treatment

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between parents' fatalism about melanoma and their children's sun protection, and the potential moderating role of parent-child communication. In this observational study of N = 69 melanoma-surviving parents of children ages 8-17, parents reported on their own melanoma fatalism, as well as their children's sun safety behaviors and parent-child discussion about sun safety. Parent gender, family history of melanoma, and frequency of parent-child discussions moderated the relationship between parents' fatalism and children's sun safety behaviors. Among mothers and parents with a family history of melanoma, high fatalism was associated with lower child sunscreen use, especially when discussions were less frequent. Melanoma surviving parents' fatalistic beliefs about cancer indirectly influence their children's health behavior and are a risk factor for unsafe sun behavior. Attending to parent gender, family history, and their communications about protective behaviors as co-factors of this risk could inform future intervention targeting.

The Family Lifestyles, Actions and Risk Education (FLARE) study: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a sun protection intervention for children of melanoma survivors

BACKGROUND

Children of parents who had melanoma are more likely to develop skin cancer themselves owing to shared familial risks. The prevention of sunburns and promotion of sun-protective behaviors are essential to control cancer among these children. The Family Lifestyles, Actions and Risk Education (FLARE) intervention will be delivered as part of a randomized controlled trial to support parent-child collaboration to improve sun safety outcomes among children of melanoma survivors.

METHODS

FLARE is a two-arm randomized controlled trial design that will recruit dyads comprised of a parent who is a melanoma survivor and their child (aged 8-17 years). Dyads will be randomized to receive FLARE or standard skin cancer prevention education, which both entail 3 telehealth sessions with an interventionist. FLARE is guided by Social-Cognitive and Protection Motivation theories to target child sun protection behaviors through parent and child perceived risk for melanoma, problem-solving skills, and development of a family skin protection action plan to promote positive modeling of sun protection behaviors. At multiple assessments through one-year post-baseline, parents and children complete surveys to assess frequency of reported child sunburns, child sun protection behaviors and melanin-induced surface skin color change, and potential mediators of intervention effects (e.g., parent-child modeling).

CONCLUSION

The FLARE trial addresses the need for melanoma preventive interventions for children with familial risk for the disease. If efficacious, FLARE could help to mitigate familial risk for melanoma among these children by teaching practices which, if enacted, decrease sunburn occurrence and improve children's use of well-established sun protection strategies.

Factors Associated With Sun Protection Behaviors Among Childhood Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Engaging in sun-protective behaviors may ameliorate that risk, but prior work shows that survivors engage in suboptimal levels of sun-protective behaviors. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study evaluated factors associated with sun-protective behavior among CCS.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a survey study of 94 adult survivors of childhood cancer recruited from a long-term follow-up clinic. Participants reported their sun protection habits, skin type/sensitivity, barriers to sun protection, and perceived severity and susceptibility of getting skin cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of sun protection behaviors and hierarchical linear regression was used to evaluate predictors of sun protection behavior following the HBM.

RESULTS

On average, CCS engaged in moderate levels of sun-protective behaviors ( M =2.53; SD=0.59). Hierarchical linear regression indicated that fair skin type ( P =0.02) and higher perceived susceptibility relative to noncancer survivors ( P =0.02) were associated with increased sun protection behaviors. Perceived barriers to sun protection were marginally significant ( P =0.09), whereas other constructs from the HBM did not contribute significantly to the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Although CCS are at increased risk of developing skin cancer, they engage in suboptimal levels of sun protection behaviors. Findings suggest that interventions to educate survivors about their unique risk of skin cancer and effective prevention behaviors are needed.

Melanoma Mortality Trends in 28 European Countries: A Retrospective Analysis for the Years 1960-2020

BACKGROUND

In 2020, in 27 European Union (EU) Member States, melanoma accounted for 4% of all new cancer cases and 1.3% of all cancer deaths, making melanoma the fifth most common malignancy and placing it in the 15 most frequent causes of cancer deaths in the EU-27. The main aim of our study was to investigate melanoma mortality trends in 25 EU Member States and three non-EU countries (Norway, Russia, and Switzerland) in a broad time perspective (1960-2020) in a younger (45-74 years old) vs. older age group (75+).

METHODS

We identified melanoma deaths defined by ICD-10 codes C-43 for individuals aged 45-74 and 75+ years old between 1960-2020 in 25 EU Member States (excluding Iceland, Luxembourg, and Malta) and in 3 non-EU countries-Norway, Russia, and Switzerland. Age-standardized melanoma mortality rates (ASR) were computed using the direct age-standardization for Segi's World Standard Population. To determine melanoma-mortality trends with 95% confidence intervals (CI), Joinpoint regression was applied. Our analysis used the Join-point Regression Program, version 4.3.1.0 (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA).

RESULTS

Regardless of the considered age groups, in all investigated countries, in general, melanoma standardized mortality rates were higher for men than women. Considering the age group 45-74, the highest number of countries was characterized by decreasing melanoma-mortality trends in both sexes-14 countries. Contrarily, the highest representation of countries in the age group 75+ was connected with increasing melanoma-mortality trends in both sexes-26 countries. Moreover, considering the older age group-75+-there was no country with a decreasing melanoma mortality in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigated melanoma-mortality trends vary in individual countries and age groups; however, a highly concerning phenomenon-increasing melanoma-mortality rates in both sexes-was observed in 7 countries for the younger age group and in as many as 26 countries for the older age group. There is a need for coordinated public-health actions to address this issue.

Risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and melanoma-specific mortality among patients with melanoma: a SEER based study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in melanoma patients.

METHODS

Data of melanoma patients were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We used Person's chi-square test to assess the relationships between categorical variables. We used Kaplan-Meier test in the univariate analysis and Cox regression test for the multivariate analysis. Analyses were conducted using the SPSS software.

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 194 503 melanoma patients. Among them, 28 818 (14.8 %) died due to cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular-specific survival was higher in younger patients, women, married, localized disease, superficial spreading melanoma and in patients who had surgery. It was lower in patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The multivariate analysis revealed a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients aged 50-64 years [hazard ratio (HR), 7.297; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.68-7.97], patients aged ≥65 years (HR, 43.309; 95% CI, 39.706-47.240), men (HR, 1.535; 95% CI, 1.475-1.597), Blacks (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.044-1.594), separated (HR, 1.286; 95% CI, 1.058-1.562), widowed (HR, 1.829; 95% CI, 1.706-1.961), patients with no or unknown history of chemotherapy (HR, 1.302; 95% CI, 1.071-1.583) or radiotherapy (HR, 1.477; 95% CI, 1.217-1.793) and patients with no surgery (HR, 1.468; 95% CI, 1.264-1.706).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with melanoma, the risk of cardiovascular death is higher in older patients, men, Blacks, separated, widowed and patients with nodular or lentigo maligna melanoma. The risk is lower in married, patients with superficial spreading or acral lentiginous melanoma, and patients who had chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.

Considerations for Germline Testing in Melanoma: Updates in Behavioral Change and Pancreatic Surveillance for Carriers of CDKN2A Pathogenic Variants

The largest proportion of hereditary melanoma cases are due to pathogenic variants (PVs) in the CDKN2A/p16 gene, which account for 20%-40% of familial melanomas and confer up to a 30%-70% lifetime risk for melanoma in individuals with these variants. In addition, PVs in the CDKN2A gene also increase risk for pancreatic cancer (~5-24% lifetime risk). Individuals with PVs in the CDKN2A gene also tend to have an earlier onset of cancer. Despite these known risks, uptake of germline testing has been limited in the past, largely due to perceptions of limited benefit for patients. Prevention recommendations have been developed for individuals with CDKN2A PVs as well the providers who care for them. On the patient level, behavioral modifications regarding melanoma prevention such as wearing sunscreen, limiting prolonged sun exposure and practicing general sun safety can help reduce risks. Germline testing can provide motivation for some individuals to adhere to these lifestyle changes. On the provider level, pancreatic cancer surveillance for individuals with CDKN2A PVs has been increasingly endorsed by expert consensus, although the efficacy of these surveillance methods remains under study. This review summarizes the updated surveillance guidelines for individuals with CDKN2A PVs and explores the impact of genetic counseling and testing in influencing behavioral changes in these individuals.

Family Attitudes and Communication about Sun Protection and Sun Protection Practices among Young Adult Melanoma Survivors and Their Family Members

Young melanoma survivors and their family are at increased risk for developing melanoma, but seldom engage in sun protection behaviors. Little is known about the role of family factors in sun protection. Our goals were: 1) examine correspondence between survivors and family sun protection, individual attitudes, and family attitudes and communication about risk-reducing behaviors, and; 2) evaluate the mediating role of family attitudes and communication in the association between individual sun protection attitudes and behavior. Measures of individual attitudes, family attitudes and communication, and sun protection behaviors were completed by 529 participants. Multilevel modeling assessed family correspondence in sun-related attitudes and behaviors and mediation. Families had varying levels of shared attitudes and behaviors, with higher correspondence for family norms. Survivors reported stronger family norms, greater family benefits, and more discussion than siblings. For both sexes, family discussion was associated with higher sun protection. For women only, more favorable attitudes were associated with sun protection partly because women discussed sun protection with family and held stronger norms. Because families' attitudes and practices correspond, family-focused interventions may prove effective. Among females, increasing risk awareness and sunscreen efficacy and overcoming barriers may foster enhanced normative standards, communication about, and engagement in sun protection.

Birth cohort-specific trends of sun-related behaviors among individuals from an international consortium of melanoma-prone families

BACKGROUND

Individuals from melanoma-prone families have similar or reduced sun-protective behaviors compared to the general population. Studies on trends in sun-related behaviors have been temporally and geographically limited.

METHODS

Individuals from an international consortium of melanoma-prone families (GenoMEL) were retrospectively asked about sunscreen use, sun exposure (time spent outside), sunburns, and sunbed use at several timepoints over their lifetime. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the association between these outcomes and birth cohort defined by decade spans, after adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 2407 participants from 547 families across 17 centers were analyzed. Sunscreen use increased across subsequent birth cohorts, and although the likelihood of sunburns increased until the 1950s birth cohort, it decreased thereafter. Average sun exposure did not change across the birth cohorts, and the likelihood of sunbed use increased in more recent birth cohorts. We generally did not find any differences in sun-related behavior when comparing melanoma cases to non-cases. Melanoma cases had increased sunscreen use, decreased sun exposure, and decreased odds of sunburn and sunbed use after melanoma diagnosis compared to before diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although sunscreen use has increased and the likelihood of sunburns has decreased in more recent birth cohorts, individuals in melanoma-prone families have not reduced their overall sun exposure and had an increased likelihood of sunbed use in more recent birth cohorts. These observations demonstrate partial improvements in melanoma prevention and suggest that additional intervention strategies may be needed to achieve optimal sun-protective behavior in melanoma-prone families.

Protection-adjusted UV dose estimated for body areas: Daily self-reported sun protection modification of wearable UV sensor dose

BACKGROUND

During the last 20 years, 50% of adults with sun-sensitive skin have sunburned annually. Reducing the proportion of people who sunburn requires understanding the circumstances and outdoor activities during which at-risk people sunburn.

METHODS

A 7-day observational study of melanoma survivors (n = 20) and young adult first-degree relatives of melanoma survivors (FDRs) (n = 20) captured daily UV exposure, sun protection, and sunburns during spring and summer in the Midwest of the United States (latitude 41.8°N). Participants wore UV and physical activity sensors and completed a daily self-reported survey of sun protection, sunburn, and physical activities. The estimated protection-adjusted UV dose was calculated for each body area by integrating self-reported sun protection with UV sensor dose.

RESULTS

In 254 days, at least one body area in 9 of 20 (45%) melanoma survivors and 11 of 20 (55%) FDRs was sunburned (erythema at 24 hours). Sunburns were associated with spring and walking for transportation or leisure, especially walking the dog. Melanoma survivors used sunscreen daily on the face; however, forearms and lower legs were not protected during walking. Young adults did not use sun protection on the face, forearms or lower legs during walking for transportation and use was ineffective during sports.

CONCLUSION

The sun protection patterns of daily living identified in this study may promote recognition of erythema as sunburn and inform the development of tailored sun protection mobile applications promoting self-monitoring with wearable UV sensors.

Challenges in changing sun protection behaviors in children and adolescents

Better communication between families, schools, communities, and clinicians is critical for improved skin cancer prevention initiatives for children and adolescents. Contributions from research in this area, as exemplified by the two studies in this special issue, will help shape priorities for future sun protection research and will be useful in generating evidence-based policy to support sun safety for children and reduce their future skin cancer risk.

Relationship of parent-child sun protection among those at risk for and surviving with melanoma: Implications for family-based cancer prevention

Preventing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is an important cancer control priority. This is especially true among children living in families previously affected by the disease because the risks for melanoma typically begin early in life. These risks accrue into adulthood but may be mitigated by parental intervention. Melanoma prevention behaviors that could be associated between adults and their children include use of sunscreen, protective clothing, seeking shade, or limiting sun exposure. This study sought to investigate how parent perceptions and behaviors influence sun protection and avoidance behaviors in their children, among relatives of melanoma survivors. In this cross-sectional study, parents (N = 313), all relatives of people diagnosed with melanoma, were surveyed about their melanoma risk-reduction behaviors and efforts to protect their children from sun exposure. Linear multiple regressions examined associations among parental behaviors, beliefs, and their reports of risk reduction for their children. Parents who practiced high sun protection themselves (i.e., wearing protective clothing, avoiding the sun, using sunscreen) were significantly more likely to report their child also wore protective clothing (B = 0.04, p < .004). Findings suggest that parents' use of risk-reducing behavioral measures extended to protective measures among their children. These findings have implications for the clinical care of melanoma survivors' families, including the design of targeted interventions that alter parental beliefs and behaviors surrounding both their own and their children's cancer prevention strategies.

A four-group experiment to improve Western high school students' sun protection behaviors

Multicomponent skin cancer preventive interventions for adolescents that aim to decrease ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and sunburns are particularly needed given their intentional tanning and infrequent use of sun protection. The purpose of this study was to conduct an early-phase study within the Multiphase Optimization Strategy framework that experimentally tested four unique intervention components targeting high school students' skin cancer prevention behaviors. Schools (11 total, N = 1,573 students) were assigned to receive one of four interventions: skin cancer education (control), education plus a sunscreen activity (to illustrate sunscreen's UVR-blocking properties), or behavior change worksheet (sun protection goal setting and planning) or receipt of a personalized UV damage photograph (photograph of facial damage). Sun protection, sunburn, and tanning outcomes were assessed before intervention and at 1-month follow-up. Within- and between-intervention changes in outcomes were examined using generalized estimating equation modeling. All interventions were associated with significant improvements in sun protection. The photograph was superior in controlling intentional tanning and sunburn when compared to the behavior change worksheet (ps < .05). In contrast, the worksheet was associated with greater increases in sun protection use when compared with the photograph (ps < .05). In this experiment testing four skin cancer preventive intervention components that varied in approach, content, and interactivity, the behavior change worksheet was superior in improving sun protection use whereas the UV photograph was superior in controlling intentional tanning and sunburn. Future randomized trials to test combinations of these intervention components are needed, and could identify mechanisms underlying improved effects and demographic or behavioral moderators of intervention effects.

A pilot study of a telehealth family-focused melanoma preventive intervention for children with a family history of melanoma

OBJECTIVE

Melanoma preventive interventions for children with familial risk are critically needed because ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and sunburn occurrence early in life are the primary modifiable risk factors for melanoma. The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a new, family-focused telehealth intervention for children with familial risk for melanoma and their parents. The study also explored changes in child sun protection and risk behaviors, sunburn occurrence, and objectively measured UVR exposure.

METHODS

This was a prospective study with a single-group design (n = 21 parent-child dyads, children ages 8-17). Dyads were asked to participate in three in-person assessments and three live video teleconference intervention sessions.

RESULTS

The intervention was feasibly delivered, and the intervention content was acceptable to parents and children. The intervention was associated with improvements in child use of certain sun protection strategies over time and declines in child UVR exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

A telehealth-delivered,family-focused melanoma preventive intervention was feasibly delivered and was acceptable to parent-child dyads. Future melanoma preventive interventions for this at-risk population could incorporate eHealth technologies to facilitate improvements in use of sun protection and monitoring of UVR exposure. This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02846714.

Barriers and Facilitators to Melanoma Prevention and Control Behaviors Among At-Risk Children

Melanoma prevention is essential for children who are at elevated risk for the disease due to family history. However, children who carry a familial risk for the disease do not optimally adhere to recommended melanoma preventive behaviors. The current study sought to identify perceived barriers to and facilitators of children's engagement in melanoma preventive behaviors among children at elevated risk for melanoma due to family history of the disease (i.e., having a parent with a history of melanoma) from both parents' and childrens' perspectives. Qualitative methods were employed and consisted of separate focus group discussions with children (ages 8-17 years, n = 37) and their parents (n = 39). Focus group transcripts were coded using content analysis. Parents and children reported a number of barriers and facilitators, including on the individual (e.g., knowledge and awareness, preferences), social (e.g., peer influences, family modeling and communication), and contextual (e.g., healthcare provider communication) levels. The identified categories of barriers and facilitators both confirm and extend the literature documenting the reasons children who are at elevated risk for melanoma do not engage in melanoma prevention and control behaviors. Programs aiming to decrease melanoma risk among children of melanoma survivors could help families address their barriers to preventive behavior implementation and build on facilitators. Melanoma survivors and their children could benefit from support on their interactions with healthcare providers, schools, peers, and other caregivers about melanoma prevention.

Parent and child perspectives on perceived barriers to child sun protection and their association with sun protection strategies among children of melanoma survivors

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Children with an elevated familial risk for melanoma inconsistently implement sun protection behaviors that could mitigate their melanoma risk. Little is known about perceived barriers to child sun protection among this at-risk group and their parents, and the extent to which perceived barriers are associated with child sun protection. The goal of this study was to examine, among children with a family history of melanoma, the frequency with which children and their parents reported barriers to child sun protection and the extent to which barriers were associated with reported use of sun protection among children.

METHODS

Children with a family history of melanoma and their parents completed questionnaires assessing perceived barriers and reported child use of sun protection.

RESULTS

Common barriers to child sun protection included being bothered by implementing the behavior or forgetting. A greater number of perceived barriers were associated with less frequent child use of sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shade.

CONCLUSIONS

Children at elevated risk for melanoma due to a family history of the disease and their parents perceive multiple barriers to sun protection that are associated with children's use of these melanoma preventive behaviors. Sun protection interventions for this at-risk population could provide families with specific strategies to address common barriers to implementing child sun protection.

A novel educational intervention targeting melanoma risk and prevention knowledge among children with a familial risk for melanoma

OBJECTIVE

To examine the acceptability of and preliminary effects associated with a novel educational intervention for children at elevated risk for melanoma. The intervention incorporated information on mechanisms through which melanoma preventive behaviors mitigate risk for melanoma and was delivered to parents and children concurrently.

METHODS

Twenty-two parents (with a personal history of melanoma or spouse with a history of melanoma) and 33 children (mean age 11.8 years) were asked to complete questionnaires immediately prior to and after an educational session and at a one-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Both parents and children endorsed that the educational materials were acceptable. Knowledge about melanoma risk and preventive and screening behaviors increased significantly. Children's perceived risk for melanoma increased significantly, while parents' perceptions of children's risk started at a higher level and remained constant. There were significant increases in reported engagement in sun protective behaviors.

CONCLUSION

The educational intervention shows promise in terms of its acceptability and effects on participant knowledge, perceived risk, and engagement in melanoma preventive behaviors.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Children at elevated risk for melanoma and their parents may benefit from receiving educational information on their disease risk and strategies for prevention and screening.

Patient Knowledge of Sunscreen Guidelines and Frequency of Physician Counseling: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Skin cancer and photodamage are problems commonly addressed by dermatologists. Despite the opportunities for chemoprevention with broad-spectrum sunscreen, there is little research investigating patient knowledge of proper sunscreen guidelines, or patient perception of physician counseling. Objective: The author sought to determine patient knowledge of the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for proper sunscreen use and to obtain patient-reported rates of physician counseling regarding sunscreen. Design: We used a 12-question, multiple choice, anonymous survey to collect data. Setting: The study setting was a private dermatology clinic near Detroit, Michigan.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred ninety- four adult patients presenting for routine office visits were included in the study. Results: About 59 percent of the subjects selected the recommended frequency of proper sunscreen use and 60 percent selected the recommended minimum sun protection factor. The minimum amount of sunscreen to cover the body, time of application before sun exposure, and time between reapplications of sunscreen did not receive a majority response. Differences in knowledge were seen between the sexes and skin types. Forty-four percent of patients previously received sunscreen counseling. Patients older than 40 years of age (39.3% vs. 18.4%, p=0.04), those who were fair skinned (62.5% vs. 23.8%), established patients (40.7% vs. 8.3%, p <0.0001), and those with a skin cancer (58.3% vs. 28%, p<0.0001) were more likely to report previous counseling. Conclusions: The majority of the study subjects never received counseling and lacked adequate knowledge of sunscreen guidelines. In order to obtain adequate primary prevention of skin cancer, it is essential to provide patients with further counseling and education on proper sunscreen use.

Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: Progress report, 2016

The Parties to the Montreal Protocol are informed by three Panels of experts. One of these is the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP), which deals with two focal issues. The first focus is the effects of UV radiation on human health, animals, plants, biogeochemistry, air quality, and materials. The second focus is on interactions between UV radiation and global climate change and how these may affect humans and the environment. When considering the effects of climate change, it has become clear that processes resulting in changes in stratospheric ozone are more complex than previously believed. As a result of this, human health and environmental issues will be longer-lasting and more regionally variable. Like the other Panels, the EEAP produces a detailed report every four years; the most recent was published as a series of seven papers in 2015 (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2015, 14, 1-184). In the years in between, the EEAP produces less detailed and shorter Progress Reports of the relevant scientific findings. The most recent of these was for 2015 (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2016, 15, 141-147). The present Progress Report for 2016 assesses some of the highlights and new insights with regard to the interactive nature of the direct and indirect effects of UV radiation, atmospheric processes, and climate change. The more detailed Quadrennial Assessment will be made available in 2018.