Skin Cancer Risk and Other Health Risk Behaviors: A Scoping Review

Purpose. To present results of a scoping review focused on skin cancer risk behaviors and other related health risk behaviors. Skin cancer is highly preventable, yet it is the most common form of cancer in the United States with melanoma rates increasing. Limited research has been conducted examining the relationship between skin cancer prevention behaviors and other health risks, yet multiple behavioral health risk interventions have shown great promise for health promotion and reduced health care costs. Methods. Online databases were searched for research articles on skin cancer risk behaviors and related health risk behaviors. Results. Thirty-seven articles met inclusion criteria examining skin cancer behaviors including risk, sun protection behaviors, sunburn, and indoor tanning. The majority of existing studies focused on the relationship between skin cancer prevention behaviors and physical activity, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol abuse. Adults were the primary population of interest with some studies of adolescents. Conclusions. Poor skin cancer prevention behaviors were associated with alcohol use, marijuana use, and smoking among adolescents and adults. Studies on body mass index and physical activity had mixed relationships with skin cancer prevention behaviors and warrant further investigation. Indoor tanning was associated with other risky behaviors but other skin cancer prevention behaviors were not studied.