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.

Automated summary

The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing, and sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical risk factor. Medical students in North Carolina addressed this issue by designing an education program that focused on presenting skin cancer in individuals of different skin types. After the educational session, students were able to demonstrate their new knowledge and make meaningful behavioral changes.