[UV risk perception by the general public: results of a representative questionnaire in Germany]

"Well, to Be Honest, I Don't Have an Idea of What It Might Be"-A Qualitative Study on Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer type in Western industrialized countries. However, research into the knowledge and awareness in the general population regarding NMSC is still scarce. This qualitative study aims to fill this research gap. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals aged 55-85 years were conducted between February and October 2020. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The term "white skin cancer"-the German colloquial term of NMSC-was well-known, but the incidence was underestimated. None of the participants could give a precise definition of NMSC, and various alterations in the skin were, partially wrongly, stated as potential signs for NMSC. As risk factors for NMSC, solar radiation, and fair skin type were mentioned most often. The perceived individual risk of developing NMSC and risk compared to individuals of the same age and gender were low in our sample. Own knowledge about NMSC was mostly perceived to be insufficient, and the majority of the sample would like to receive more information on NMSC. Our results emphasize a need to inform about the signs and risks of NMSC not only in the studied older age group but also in younger people.

[The UV Protection Alliance in Germany-Purpose and goals]

Despite the serious health consequences of UV radiation, protection against UV radiation is even now still not a matter of course. The population has a largely realistic view of UV radiation-related health risks but this does not seem to instigate a change in personal risk assessments and towards an adequate UV protection behavior. This is not least due to the partly contradictory statements and recommendations regarding the positive and negative health effects, also from the scientific community. A harmonization as well as a collation of the statements and activities of individual players in UV protection related to the prevention of UV-related diseases gives the key messages the necessary strength to make UV protection a matter of course in society. To this end, the UV Protection Alliance was initiated by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). This article reports on the UV Protection Alliance, presents the partners in the Alliance, the goals of the UV Protection Alliance, previous results of work by the Alliance and actions and interventions of the Alliance partners. The public impact of the UV Protection Alliance is explained and an outlook is given on future tasks of the Alliance.

Cluster Randomized Trial: Sun Protection Intervention 'Clever in Sun and Shade for Preschools'-Effectiveness and Dissemination

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and UV radiation is one of the main risk factors. Therefore, sun protection, especially in childhood, is strongly recommended. We examined the effectiveness of the ‘Clever in Sun and Shade for Preschools’ program (CLEVER) in promoting sun protection behavior among preschool staff (trial registration: DRKS00023468) and describe its dissemination. Within a cluster randomized trial with 24 preschools (n = 273 staff members) stating a high need for sun protection measures, an educational workshop for preschool staff and a project kit with materials applicable in preschool groups was provided. Staff members of preschools taking part in CLEVER report significantly stronger sun protection behavior to avoid the sun (effect size [ES] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04 0.71, p < 0.05) and less perceived impediments to avoid the sun (ES −0.56, CI −0.82 −0.17, p < 0.01) after 12 months as well as higher self-efficacy to avoid the sun (ES 1.09, CI 0.39 1.07, p < 0.001) and to use sunscreen (ES 0.71, CI 0.03 0.88, p < 0.05) after 1 month. Compared to the control group, there was no significant effect on sunscreen use and further psychosocial outcomes. The effectiveness of CLEVER may be underrated due to a high drop-out rate. Within three years, an enhanced free-of-charge program kit, including a media-based workshop and materials, had reached over 4000 preschools, i.e., 7.1% of all daycare centers in Germany. The results show that CLEVER can strengthen sun protection, offer high-quality information at low cost, and is easily disseminable.