Teen Daughters and Their Mothers in Conversation: Identifying Opportunities for Enhancing Awareness of Risky Tanning Behaviors.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The incidence of melanoma has been increasing dramatically among teenage and young adult women over the past several decades. Despite a causal link between ultraviolet light exposure and melanoma, a significant proportion of young women intentionally tan. Furthermore, we know very little about the family's role in melanoma-related risk practices. METHODS: This study examined 22 interviews of adolescent girls and their mothers discussing topics related to sun protection and tanning behavior. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis elicited four primary themes (1) high rates of prior discussion about indoor tanning; (2) discussion of other risky behaviors that are considered more important than tanning; (3) a desire for increased knowledge of risky tanning behavior; and (4) change in tanning behavior with relevant life experience. CONCLUSIONS: Results emphasize the value of educational interventions designed to raise melanoma-related risk awareness and suggest the potential benefit of improving knowledge maintenance and family engagement through information sharing.