Skin cancer is a growing problem in the United States; it is becoming such a problem that public health agencies such as the CDC have begun surveillance programs to monitor sun safety and develop policies to maintain a healthy population. For example, the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) published the report "Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn: Sun Safety" in 2002. In 2006, 53,919 people were diagnosed with melanoma and 8,441 died from it. The CDC also systematically collects and publishes data of rising incidence of skin cancer that is viewable by the public. Surveillance data from 1998-2007 indicates a significant increase in incidence among the US white population, however, I have not yet found data strictly for the adolescent population. On the other hand, I have found some information relating to age significance. Adolescents, especially high school age, are in the process of gaining independence, which often leads to rejection of parents' rules and messages. Parents, especially mothers, tend to enforce sun protection, so it seems logical that young people would reject the encouragement.
Some direct indicators could include the percentage of young adults who frequent tanning beds and the percentage of young adults who's skin is tan or burned due to sun or artificial sun exposure. Some indirect indicators include rates of tanning bed business success within a mile radius of high schools, dermatology appointments, and sunscreen and aloe sales.
Most people, including young adults, are aware of the dangers of UV light exposure, but quantitative studies show that many people --especially adolescents-- perceive their susceptibility to skin cancer to be low. This information seems accurate, however, it is dependent on self-report and because the socially acceptable norm is to perceive skin protection as unimportant, or even 'uncool,' some people may report false information to avoid having the unfavorable opinion. The general perception is also that skin cancer is a problem for the older population, so why worry now? Also, society tells us that tan skin is 'healthy' skin and white skin is unattractive. Societal norms tell us not to wear sunscreen or protective clothing because its either unfashionable or, with regards to men, not masculine. Perhaps this is why statistical prevalence rates of white males are substantially higher in the past decade than of white females, although female incidence climbs at about a 1% higher rate annually. The statistics cited are reliable, however, they measure the total U.S. population and my problem definition aims to focus only on the young adult population.
Sources:
"Public Health Herald 8th Issue." NCSL Home. 2012.
National Conference of State Legislatures. 19 Apr. 2012
<http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/public-health-herald-8th-issue885.aspx>.
"Skin Cancer." Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. 23 Nov. 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 19
Apr. 2012 <http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/>.
Theo, Lorenc. "Resource provision and environmental change for
the prevention of skin cancer: Systematic review of qualitative evidence from
high-income countries." 12 Apr. 2012. PubMed. Eisenhower Library,
Baltimore. 19 Apr. 2012 <http://http://heapro.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/04/11/heapro.das015.long>.
I was unclear as to the actual magnitude of the problem. The indicators you pointed out were interesting but a direct measurement of the fraction of young adults diagnosed with skin cancer may also be relevant.
ReplyDeleteI think is very true that young adults don't consider taking care of their skin a priority. I think youth sometimes gives young people a sense of protection against things such skin cancer. Also, today tanning is constantly advertise by the media. For instance, the jersey shore cast. Many people are trying to follow their example an they don't realize it can harm their health.
ReplyDeleteThe 2006 statistics for melanoma cases truly highlights the severity of this problem. This is a significant public health issue with a relatively easy solution, however modern society and current cultural trends have in some sense become blockades against skin cancer prevention. People, particularly of caucasian backgrounds, must find a way to ignore these societal factors and place skin safety as a priority throughout their daily lives.
ReplyDeleteGood start Shelby.
ReplyDeleteAS we discussed in class, please make sure you check the grammer of the problem statement so it is a complete sentence.Grammar changes.
Look for more info via pub med, go to research librarian and ask for help or change prob. Your problem definition can then be changed/narrowed to focus on the info you do find
Cancer that is formed in the tissues of the skin is known as Skin Cancer. It is one of the most common kinds of cancer that affects men and women.Thank you for sharing....
ReplyDeleteSkin Cancer Procedure
Lots of reasons through which you will face skin cancer like UV Rays and many more. Skin check Melbourne is necessary for that, the timely visit skin clinic so that problem will not increase in the future.
ReplyDelete