Changes in skin protection behaviors, attitudes, and sunburn: In a population with the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world

This study describes changes in skin protection attitudes and outdoor behaviors of adults in Queensland, Australia, using two cross-sectional telephone surveys conducted in 1988/89 (N = 1699) and 1991/92 (N = 2317). After adjustment for potential confounders, there were significant improvements in some skin protection attitudes, time spent outside, hat wearing, sunscreen use, overall skin protection (p < 0.01) and shade use (p < 0.05) between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on the previous Sunday. The degree of attitudinal and behavioral change varied with age, gender, region, and reported skin type. However, recent sunburn experience remained unchanged. A similar study in Victoria, Australia, observed changes in skin protection attitudes, behaviors, and recent sunburn. We speculate on possible explanations for the lack of improvement in recent sunburn experience despite the improvement in skin protection attitudes, and behaviors, and suggest that part of the explanation may be environmental differences. This has implications for generalizability of such studies outside the geographical region in which they were conducted. Article in Cancer Detection and Prevention 20(6):566-75 · January 1996

An Innovative Method of Increasing Early Detection for Skin Cancer in Australia

Abstract Objective: To evaluate a family practice intervention to encourage patients to request a skin examination during their consultation. Methods: Family physicians in Queensland, Australia, were randomized to intervention or control groups. In the intervention group, materials were provided by the office receptionist and supported by the family physician. Results: The rate of full-body skin examination was 99.3/ 1000 consultations in intervention-group practices compared to 22.4/ 1000 in control-group practices (p

A measure of skin familiarity and its role in the early detection of skin cancer

Skin self-examination (SSE) is promoted widely so that individuals will become familiar with their skin and be better able to identify suspicious changes earlier. However, individuals can also become familiar with their skin other than through purposeful SSE. In this article, we develop a measure of skin familiarity based on the density of spots on 14 different areas of the body. A factor analysis of the 14 body-area scores revealed that they could be grouped into four broad body regions (shoulders and back, front of legs, back of legs, and feet). Each total body score and body-region score has high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.79 to 0.93). Moreover, the scores correlate as expected with skin self-examination behaviors and other personal characteristics, indicating high construct validity. We consider the advantages that skin familiarity measures offer over the exclusive use of SSE measures in the assessment of early detection activities and discuss the direction of future research in this area

Cancer Control Activities in Australian Public Hospitals

Cancer is a major cause of death in Australia and there is considerable interest in the role health education in hospital settings has in reducing this burden. Based on a survey of medical superintendents and other hospital staff, this article describes the cancer control activities routinely conducted in Australian public hospitals. The survey considered cigarette smoking, alcohol, diet and nutrition, exercise, and the early detection of skin cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Overall 112 medical superintendents (93%) participated and a further 163 hospital staff members provided additional details. Not unexpectedly, the survey confirmed the very low level of activity and identified a number of specific issues that need to be addressed in order to enhance cancer control activities in public hospitals. Given the relatively higher level of activity, and the prominence of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption as health issues, one approach might be to initially concentrate on these areas when they are related to the patient's condition. Article in International Quarterly of Community Health Education 15(3):229-40 · January 1994

Community perceptions of bowel cancer: A survey of Queenslanders

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Australia. The Australian Cancer Society has set a national goal 'to exploit prevention opportunities and to increase early detection'. To address this goal, information about community perceptions is required. Through the use of a Delphi process, a questionnaire was developed to investigate community knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding primary prevention and early detection activities. This paper describes the results of a postal survey of a random sample of 855 Queensland adults selected from electoral rolls. Results indicate that there is a high level of uncertainty about bowel cancer and a belief that many behaviours are related to bowel cancer. While 74 per cent believed that tests could detect bowel cancer, only 52 per cent were confident that a doctor could accurately diagnose it. Only 35 per cent agreed that the public should be screened for bowel cancer and only 10 per cent would get a check-up. Perhaps reflecting the degree of uncertainty among health professionals about bowel cancer, there appears to be a high level of misinformation and confusion in the community. The need for an educational programme to address these issues is discussed. Article in Health Education Journal 54(3):331-339 September 1995