Abstract
Purpose Adolescence is a high-risk period for ultraviolet radiation exposure, a primary cause of skin cancer later in life. We sought to characterize receipt of health care provider-delivered counseling about skin cancer prevention (SCP) among parents of adolescents. Methods In 2016, we conducted an online survey with a national sample of parents of adolescents aged 11–17 years (n = 1,253). Multivariable logistic regression assessed correlates of receiving counseling from a health care provider about any of the six skin cancer prevention (SCP) topics. Results Only half (49%) of parents recalled discussing any SCP topic with their child's provider; the prevalence was highest for sunscreen (39%) and lowest for indoor tanning (3%). Parents had greater odds of receiving counseling if they had a child with more sun-reactive skin (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53); a family history of skin cancer (OR = 1.38); or a higher quality relationship with the provider (OR = 1.47; all p <.05). Conclusions Greater attention to SCP counseling is needed, especially for exposures such as indoor tanning that remain prevalent among adolescents but are rarely addressed in clinical encounters.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 533-536 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Adolescent Health |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute ( K22 CA186979 ). The funder played no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Anticipatory guidance
- Preventive services
- Skin cancer