Estimation of individual cumulative ultraviolet exposure using a geographically-adjusted, openly-accessible tool

Estimates of an individual's cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can be useful since ultraviolet radiation exposure increases skin cancer risk, but a comprehensive tool that is practical for use in the clinic does not currently exist. The objective of this study is to develop a geogr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC dermatology 2016-01, Vol.16 (1), p.1-1, Article 1
Main Authors: Zhu, Gefei A, Raber, Inbar, Sakshuwong, Sukolsak, Li, Shufeng, Li, Angela S, Tan, Caroline, Chang, Anne Lynn S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Case-Control Studies
Female
Humans
Internet
Male
Middle Aged
Radiation Exposure
Regression Analysis
Reproducibility of Results
Risk Assessment - methods
Risk Factors
Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology
Skin Neoplasms - etiology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects
United States - epidemiology
Young Adult
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Summary:Estimates of an individual's cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can be useful since ultraviolet radiation exposure increases skin cancer risk, but a comprehensive tool that is practical for use in the clinic does not currently exist. The objective of this study is to develop a geographically-adjusted tool to systematically estimate an individual's self-reported cumulative UV radiation exposure, investigate the association of these estimates with skin cancer diagnosis, and assess test reliability. A 12-item online questionnaire from validated survey items for UV exposure and skin cancer was administered to online volunteers across the United States and results cross-referenced with UV radiation indices. Cumulative UV exposure scores (CUES) were calculated and correlated with personal history of skin cancer in a case-control design. Reliability was assessed in a separate convenience sample. 1,118 responses were included in the overall sample; the mean age of respondents was 46 (standard deviation 15, range 18 - 81) and 150 (13 %) reported a history of skin cancer. In bivariate analysis of 1:2 age-matched cases (n = 149) and controls (n = 298), skin cancer cases were associated with (1) greater CUES prior to first skin cancer diagnosis than controls without skin cancer history (242,074 vs. 205,379, p = 0.003) and (2) less engagement in UV protective behaviors (p 
ISSN:1471-5945
1471-5945
DOI:10.1186/s12895-016-0038-1