Aims: To evaluate the impact of a personalised skin cancer prevention strategy on primary prevention behaviours, including objectively measured sun exposure, sun protection behaviours and psychosocial outcomes.
Methods: Eligible patients are aged >18 years, previously diagnosed with skin cancer and own a smart phone. Patients will be recruited via clinics at the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and community organisations including Melanoma Patients Australia and the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network. After completing baseline measures (online survey, 7-days wear of a UV dosimeter (objective measure of sun exposure) and an activity diary) participants will be randomised 1:1 to the intervention (UV sensor with sun exposure feedback and educational booklet) or control arm (educational booklet only). The primary outcome is total daily Standard Erythemal Doses (SEDs) at follow-up. Secondary outcomes include objectively measured UV exposure for specific time periods (e.g. midday hours), self-reported sun protection and skin-examination behaviours, psychosocial outcomes and total intervention costs. The target sample size is 446 people (223 per arm) based on detecting 20% difference in total daily SEDs between groups, calculated using a t-test with a geometric mean ratio of 0.8, coefficient of variation 0.9, 80% power and α of 0.05, and assuming 15% loss to follow-up. A within-trial evaluation (cost-consequence analysis) will assess the intervention costs.
Discussion: The findings from this trial will improve our understanding of how to support safe sun exposure and improve survival outcomes in the growing population of people with a history of skin cancer.