Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Studies have established ultraviolet (UV) exposure with increased melanoma skin cancer risk. The combination of UV exposure, high altitude, and reflection of UV rays on the snow may create a particularly relevant and high-risk population amongst those who participate in snow sports. The current study aims to determine the effectiveness of a UV-photography and personalized counseling-based intervention to improve sun protection awareness on the snow sport enthusiast population. Participants were recruited at the 2013 SnowSports Industries American (SIA) Snow Show in Denver to complete a 14 question pre-survey assessing sun-safety awareness followed by a Faraghan Medical Elise Digital UV Camera photograph of their face and counseling regarding individual results. Participants were contacted one to two months later by telephone to complete a ten question post-survey. Forty-one percent of participants (46/112) completed both pre- and post-surveys. The UV photography based intervention influenced the opinions and behaviors of sun protection in 78% of male and 62% of female participants with sunscreen use identified as the most frequently modified behavior (53%). While valid barriers to UV photography use include a current lack of reimbursement and lack of public knowledge of its utility, our study indicates the potential impact of UV photography-based interventions among high-risk populations who avidly participate in snow sports.
Highlights
Over the past decade, the rate of melanoma in the United States has increased approximately 2.6 percent each year, accounting for over 9,000 deaths in 2013 alone [1]
58% of participants reported wearing sunscreen of 30 SPF or greater, half of these did not know if their sunscreen provided both
Our study indicates the potential impact of UV photography-based interventions among high-risk populations who avidly participate in snow sports
Summary
The rate of melanoma in the United States has increased approximately 2.6 percent each year, accounting for over 9,000 deaths in 2013 alone [1]. Sun exposure is a well-established risk factor for melanoma, along with fair skin type, positive family melanoma history, and genetic predisposition [2]. Prevention strategies include limiting sun exposure, using protective clothing and sunscreen, and avoidance of artificial ultraviolet (UV) exposure, such as indoor tanning beds [3]. Recent studies have employed UV photography as a personalized, imagebased tool that allows for patient interaction and discussion of potential sun exposure risks and counseling regarding sunprotection promotion [3,4,5,6,7,8]. Gibbons and Mahler et al describe a reduction in college students’ intention to tan, tanning behavior, and measured skin tan (using a colorimeter) when UV photography was employed [5, 8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
