The sun and your health: Targeting teenagers and adolescents in British Columbia

Introduction: Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Approximately 85% of skin cancer cases could be avoided by reducing ultraviolet (UV) exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate UV exposure and sun safety behaviors in this age group. In addition, the effectiveness in changing sun protection knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using an innovative intervention was compared with the strategy of using education alone.