Global Trends in Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention Education Among Adolescents: A Bibliometric Analysis

Adolescent sun safety education is an important area of prevention research, particularly as sun-protective behaviors established during youth may influence long-term skin health. This bibliometric review examined the scholarly landscape of adolescent sun safety and skin cancer prevention education, with attention to publication trends, collaboration patterns, and major research themes. Records were identified through a PubMed search and analyzed using bibliometric mapping software to evaluate co-authorship networks, institutional collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. The analysis demonstrated a growing body of literature with increasing attention to behavioral, educational, school-based, and digital approaches to sun safety promotion. Authorship and institutional networks suggested that the field includes several active research clusters but remains relatively fragmented, with opportunities for stronger collaboration across public health, clinical, and educational disciplines. Keyword patterns reflected continued emphasis on adolescent knowledge, ultraviolet exposure, sunscreen use, prevention behaviors, and intervention development. Emerging themes also suggested increasing interest in mobile health and technology-supported strategies. However, limited representation of equity-focused terminology indicates a need for more inclusive research addressing diverse adolescent populations. Overall, this review highlights the evolution of adolescent sun safety education research and identifies opportunities to strengthen future work through interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized outcome measures, scalable interventions, and greater attention to health equity.