Grant Details
Grant Number: |
1R03CA230818-01 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Recklitis, Christopher |
Organization: |
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst |
Project Title: |
Preventing Secondary Skin Cancer in Young Adult Cancer Survivors |
Fiscal Year: |
2018 |
Abstract
Project Summary
Intensive treatments that cure cancer can also cause significant later health problems, including second
cancers. Skin cancers are the most common, and the most preventable, second cancers. The growing
population of young adult cancer survivors (YACS) is the survivor group at greatest risk for secondary skin
cancers, with a melanoma risk more than 2-fold greater than the general population. To reduce their skin
cancer risk, YACS are counseled to limit their ultraviolet light (UVL) exposure by avoiding the sun, using
sunscreen, and abstaining from artificial tanning, but the majority of YACS fail to practice recommended sun
protection (SP). Building on research showing low intensity interventions that go beyond cancer prevention
messages are effective in healthy young adults, we have developed a novel video intervention (SunSmart) to
increase YACS' adherence to recommended SP. In Phase 1 of the study we will use qualitative and
quantitative feedback from 10 YACS to guide final editing of two versions of the SunSmart education video.
These videos are 1) The Information Video providing basic information about UVL risk and benefits of SP; and
2) The Information + Appearance Video which includes the full information video, along with additional content
on the negative appearance consequences of UVL exposure. Procedures for delivering and assessing the
intervention via mobile means will then be pre-tested with 5 YACS. In Phase 2, the efficacy of these
educational interventions to change SP attitudes and behaviors will be investigated in a randomized controlled
trial of 105 YACS (age 18-35). Participants will be randomized to one of three groups; 1) a control group that
will view a sleep hygiene video, 2) the Information SunSmart group, or 3) the Information + Appearance
SunSmart group. Participants' SP behaviors and beliefs will be assessed prior to the intervention and at two
time points post-intervention. Specific aims are to: 1) Refine existing SunSmart educational videos based on
YACS' feedback, and pre-test web-based delivery and assessment of the intervention; 2) Determine efficacy of
the SunSmart intervention in promoting SP behaviors compared to a control condition by delivering it to 105
YACS as a web/mobile intervention; 3) Collect preliminary data on whether addition of the appearance
information improves results of the SunSmart intervention. The extent to which the intervention changes SP
behavior through hypothesized mediating variables will also be explored. A new intervention that effectively
promotes YACS' SP behaviors will make an important contribution to preventing future skin cancers in this
growing and vulnerable population. Developing a brief web-based intervention based on empirically supported
health promotion messages adapted for the unique needs of YACS will insure the intervention is effective,
appealing and easily deliverable. By empirically evaluating effects of different health messages on YACS, this
study furthers our understanding of processes affecting their behavior and will make an important contribution
to future interventions promoting health behavior changes in this vulnerable population.
Publications
Sleep in young-adult cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Zhou E.S.
, Michaud A.L.
, Owens J.
, Recklitis C.J.
.
Source: Journal Of Clinical Sleep Medicine : Jcsm : Official Publication Of The American Academy Of Sleep Medicine, 2020-11-15 00:00:00.0; 16(11), p. 1991.
PMID: 32720640
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