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Updated: May 12, 2026

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
The HealthyTexts study: a randomized controlled trial to improve skin cancer prevention behaviors among young people
M Janda1, P Youl, A L Marshall
1School of Public Health, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. m.janda@qut.edu.au
Abstract:
Several randomized trials have found behavior change programs delivered via text messaging to be efficacious to improve preventive health behaviors such as physical activity and stopping smoking; however few have assessed its value in skin cancer prevention or early detection. The HealthyTexts study enrolled 678 participants 18-42 years, and assigned them to receive 21 text messages about skin cancer prevention, skin self-examination or physical activity (attention control) over the course of one year. Baseline data have been collected and outcomes will be assessed at three months and twelve months post-intervention. The trial aims to increase the mean overall sun protection habits index score from 2.3 to 2.7 with a standard deviation of 0.5 (effect size of 0.5) and the proportion of people who conduct a whole-body skin self-examination by an absolute 10%. This paper describes the study design and participants' baseline characteristics. In addition, participants' goals for their health, and strategies they apply to achieve those goals are summarized.
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