Measuring Real Time Decision-Making About Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) Protection

Measuring Real Time Decision-Making About UVR Protection

The purpose of this study is to understand how people make decisions about sun protection. This study is important in helping to protect against sun exposure, since it is a main risk factor for melanoma. The investigators would like to understand the decisions people make about sun protection so that they can improve their ability to help individuals who may be at risk for melanoma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A first-degree biological relative (a child, sibling or parent) as per self report of an MSKCC follow-up surgical patient diagnosed with melanoma as per pathology report or clinician's judgment;
• English-fluent; the surveys were designed and validated in English and are not currently available in other languages. Translation of questionnaires into other languages would require reestablishing the reliability and validity of these measures. Therefore, participants must be able to communicate in English to complete the surveys.
• 18 years of age or older;
• For Phase I only: FDRs who live within a 50 mile radius of MSKCC to make it feasible for Ms. Shuk to be able to arrive at each person's home for the in-home interview without the cost being prohibitive;
• For Phase I only: Can recall a period when s/he was out in the sun for at least one hour on a sunny day this past summer 2009.
• For Phase I only: Can recall a separate period when s/he was out in the sun for at least one hour on a sunny day this past summer 2009, but s/he was in a different location from the period referenced above.
• For Phase II only: FDRs who self-report at least 1 consecutive hour in the morning (dawn to 12:30pm) and 1 consecutive hour in the afternoon (12:30-5pm) of daily (weekend and weekday) outdoor activities on the screening questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

• First-degree relatives of melanoma patients who report never using UVR protection;
• Patient's who provide consent for Phase I will not be eligible for Phase II.
• Any first-degree relative of a melanoma patient who already has a first-degree relative who consented to the study;
• Unable to provide informed consent.