Commentary: A criteria-validated sun-exposure questionnaire to evaluate skin cancer prevention campaigns

Abstract

Melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer remain significant health and economic cost burdens in many countries. However, skin cancer incidence is now decreasing in younger age groups in some countries, and this has been linked to strong health promotion campaigns. One issue with evaluating the success of these campaigns lies in the lag in years between the risky sun exposure and the development of the skin cancer, meaning that a reduction in skin cancer incidence may not be apparent for decades after implementation of a successful sun protection campaign. Instead, we must rely on data collected on changing perceptions and behaviour with regard to sun exposure and protection practices. Self-reported data from questionnaires continues to be the main measure of sun exposure because it can be tailored to the research question, is inexpensive, and has a relatively low participant burden. Key to the use of questionnaire data to monitor sun exposure and protection is an assurance that the measure is appropriate for the research question as well as being accurate and precise. Show more