The incidence of skin cancer is increasing at a high rate. All of these cancers are uniquely suited for prevention and early detection interventions, however, in that adequate sun protection can prevent occurrence and screening can reduce morbidity and mortality. This interactive multimedia program is intended to increase cancer risk avoiding and cancer controlling behaviors in high sun exposure adolescent populations aged 16 to 21. Information gathering focus groups will be held with target audiences to identify personal and interpersonal motives associated with both risky and protective behaviors; these findings will be used in the design of the educational materials. Social marketing and stages of change interventions will be used to channel users to full motion video, still image, and animation based motivational, skills training, and self efficacy enhancing program segments. These multimedia materials will be under the control of the program user. Qualitative and quantitative data from pilot tests conducted with target group members will be used to formatively evaluate the interactive program. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted to assess the efficacy and costs and benefits of this approach vis a vis traditional media during Phase II of the research.
