258958 Examination of skin cancer risk profiles among physically active adults and potential intervention strategies

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Kristin Schneider, Ph.D. , Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL
Sherry Pagoto, PhD , Division of Preventive & Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Emily Panza , Division of Preventive & Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Dori Goldberg, MD , Department of Medicine-Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Research suggests that physically active individuals are at greater risk for skin cancer. This study examined whether active individuals report greater skin cancer risk behaviors compared to their inactive counterparts; and whether, among active individuals, profiles emerged that distinguish those at greater risk. Adult participants (n=300, 53% female) were categorized as ‘Inactive' or ‘Active' using the EPIC Physical Activity Questionnaire-2 and completed measures of sun exposure and protection. Cluster analyses were conducted using their perceived risk for skin cancer, tanning importance, tanning dependence, body image importance and frequency of outdoor exercise during peak UV hours. Active individuals reported more peak UV exposure than their Inactive counterparts (p=.003). Among Active participants (n=137), four clusters emerged. Cluster 1 may be at greater risk since they report more peak UV exposure (p=.002), with 83% reporting exercise during peak UV hours, and perceive that they are at low risk for skin cancer despite their sun exposure, less frequent sunscreen use during exercise (p=.07) and predominance of a very fair/fair skin type. Cluster 4 accurately perceives their risk as high because they reported more peak UV exposure (p=.002), sunbathing (p=.001), sunburns (p=.007) and less sunscreen use during exercise (p=.02). They also reported high tanning importance and dependence. Clusters 2 and 3 differed on their perceived risk for skin cancer, but exercised inside or during non-peak UV hours. We conducted focus groups with the high risk clusters to determine targeted individual and recreational interventions for reducing sun exposure and improving sun protection, without reducing physical activity.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the characteristics of physically active individuals who are at greater risk for skin cancer. Identify possible interventions for physically active individuals at greater risk for skin cancer.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Cancer Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the PI on the grant that funded this research. I have co-authored 3 manuscripts on skin cancer and have 11 publications related to physical activity. I am currently a PI or Co-Investigator on 6 grants related to physical activity, 4 of which are NIH funded.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.