Trial Information

The Feasibility of a Motivational Enhancement Approach to Skin Cancer Prevention in a Sample of Young Adult Patients

Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, it is highly
preventable by reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, recent primary
prevention efforts have been inadequate in evoking behavior change, as manifested by
increasing rates of ultraviolet radiation exposure, particularly among young adults. These
findings indicate the need to research novel approaches to skin cancer prevention.

Motivational enhancement techniques facilitate patient-centered, directive discussions
wherein practitioners provide clear structure and encourage patients to play an active role
in the consultation. The use of motivational enhancement techniques for health behavior
change in medical settings has thus far yielded encouraging results for other health
behavior change topics, but research has not yet investigated the application of these
techniques to skin cancer prevention discussions.