Skin Cancer Warnings and the Need for New Preventive Campaigns: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Although skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, it is the most common cancer in the world and its incidence is increasing. Nearly 5 million people in the U.S. are treated each year for skin cancer at an estimated annual cost of $8.1 billion. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer, responsible for more than 9,000 deaths each year. Given the treatment costs, potential deadly consequences, and well-known causal relationship between ultraviolet light and skin cancer, it is unclear why many people ignore warnings and do not protect themselves from the sun