Structure of Intervention
For each adult audience (clinicians, school personnel,
pool/beach staff, athletic coaches), the project staff first
provided a 30-minute introductory educational session
to increase awareness of adolescent sun-protection rates
in our region and the risks of skin cancer from UV
exposure, to dispel myths, provide key messages, and
discuss the importance of their role as role models and
advisors of adolescents. The view of their skin damage
under UV-filtered light in the Dermascan (Dermascan
Inc, Bellingham, MA) reinforced the importance of personal
sun protection. The Dermascan is a portable device
that provides a darkened environment with a mirror to
view skin changes not visible under normal light.
Chronic sun exposure leads to nonuniform epidermal
pigmentation that appears as spots or haphazard pigmentation.
18 Specific aids to remind them of sun protection
and assist in counseling were then provided.* Annual
presentations were conducted for teachers,
coaches, and pool staff to ensure that new staff were
informed, motivate returning staff, provide new messages
and materials, and replenish supplies of sun
screen.