PREVENTING SKIN-CANCER THROUGH BEHAVIOR-CHANGE - IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTIONS

Sun exposure is the only major causative factor for skin cancer for wh ich prevention is feasible. Both individual and community-based interv entions have been effective in changing sun exposure knowledge and att itudes but generally have not been effective in changing behaviors. An integrative model of behavior change is described that has been succe ssful in changing behavior across a wide range of health conditions. T his model holds promise for developing a rational public health approa ch to skin cancer prevention based on sound behavioral science.