| Two recent studies - on opposite sides of the | | | | study, its findings were similar. In this case |
| world - confirm what we know intuitively. That is, | | | | researchers set out to discover what cost |
| if we are reminded to do something, in this case, | | | | savings could be achieved through the regular use |
| wear sunscreen daily, we are more likely to do it. | | | | of sunscreen. |
| This may be a statement of the obvious. But, | | | | This is an important issue in Australia which has |
| sometimes the obvious is worth visiting and even | | | | one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. |
| revisiting. As these researchers hope, it can even | | | | Two out of three people in Australia will develop |
| save lives. | | | | skin cancer, and an estimated 1,000 die from it |
| In the first study, researchers led by April | | | | every year, according to the American Cancer |
| Armstrong, a dermatologist at the University of | | | | Society. The country has such high skin cancer |
| California at Davis, assigned study participants into | | | | rates because of its latitude and because it has a |
| one of two groups. The first group received a | | | | population with susceptible skin types. |
| two-part text message every morning with a | | | | In the QIMR study, one portion of the group was |
| weather report and a message reminding them to | | | | given free sunscreen and encouraged to use it on |
| wear sunscreen. The second group received no | | | | a daily basis. The second sample used sunscreen |
| text messages. | | | | as they would normally. Not surprisingly, the first |
| The study ran for six weeks. Those who did not | | | | group used sunscreen on a more regular basis, |
| receive text messages used sunscreen less than | | | | promoting researchers to conclude that compared |
| about one day in three. Those who did receive | | | | to other cancer prevention initiatives sunscreen |
| messages had an average daily adherence rate of | | | | promotion and use is highly cost effective. |
| about 56 percent. | | | | So, what is the takeaway? Remind yourself to |
| It is an important issue. The National Cancer | | | | use sunscreen and wear sun protective garments. |
| Institute reports about one million new skin | | | | (Although the focus of this article is on sunscreen, |
| cancers in the U.S. annually. Sunscreen is | | | | it is important to remember that many |
| considered one of the most effective | | | | pediatricians and dermatologists consider sun |
| preventative measures, along with sun protective | | | | protective clothing the first line of defense against |
| clothing. However, getting people to use | | | | skin cancer.) |
| sunscreen has been difficult. Only about 20 | | | | Post notes on your refrigerator. Make notes in |
| percent of adults in the U.S. report regular use of | | | | your calender. Tape a note to the mirror in your |
| sunscreen and many do not use sufficient | | | | bathroom. Put reminders in your Outlook calender |
| amounts, according to the National Health and | | | | or on your cell alarm. In other words, do what it |
| Nutrition Examination Survey. | | | | takes to remind yourself to use this important |
| Although the focus of the second study by the | | | | and potentially life-saving prevention measure. |
| Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) | | | | Take charge of encouraging yourself and your |
| was somewhat different from the UC Davis | | | | family to stay safe. |