Skin Deep: A Review of Skin Cancer Prevention and Education in Primary Care

Skin cancer is very prevalent in the United States and throughout the world. There are three main types of skin cancer, which include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. This paper explores the significant risk factors of skin cancer, including changes in elevation and latitude, sun exposure, and high-risk populations. There are many baniers in relation to skin cancer education and screening. In order to overcome those baniers, education related to sun protection techniques needs to be utilized. There are many programs and social media campaigns that target skin cancer prevention. There is also a wide variety of current education already established; it is just a matter of distributing this information to the public and community at risk. The purpose of this thesis is to review research articles and literature in relation to skin cancer while simultaneously examining ways to promote sun protective behavior effectively in primary care by tailoring intervention toward specific populations. The goal of this thesis is to improve education, which may ultimately lead to a reduction in rates of skin cancer.