Melanoma Prevention Program Improves Sun Safety Habits
A telehealth program helps melanoma survivors and their children adopt better sun protection, despite no change in sunburn rates.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Cancer
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A melanoma-prevention program for cancer survivors and their children, known as FLARE, improved sun-safety behaviors but did not significantly decrease child sunburns. The study, which concluded in October 2023, evaluated 364 survivor-child dyads across the United States.
Why it matters
Melanoma survivors and their families face higher skin cancer risks, making effective sun-safety habits a critical component of long-term prevention. This research highlights the complexity of translating educational interventions into measurable changes in sunburn outcomes for high-risk families.
In a randomized controlled trial of 364 survivor-child dyads, the FLARE program yielded greater increases in sun-protective behaviors compared to a control group. However, researchers found no significant difference in the reduction of sunburns over the study period.
The players
University of Utah
An academic research institution that hosted the development and oversight of the FLARE melanoma-prevention program.
The details
The FLARE program utilized three 30- to 40-minute live telehealth sessions delivered by interventionists. These sessions focused on teaching families practical problem-solving techniques to navigate barriers to sun safety. Participants worked with interventionists to create customized, sustainable plans for protecting their skin during outdoor activities.
Timeline
April 2020 to October 2023: Researchers recruited 364 survivor-child dyads.
4 weeks post-intervention: Researchers conducted an evaluation of the participants.
8 weeks post-intervention: Researchers conducted an evaluation of the participants.
Health Landscape
This study sits within the broader effort to move melanoma prevention beyond general guidance and into targeted, high-risk family support. It marks a transition toward testing remote, digital-first interventions designed to reach patients outside of traditional clinical settings.
If you are a cancer survivor, consider discussing with your dermatologist whether structured, problem-solving-based sun-safety planning could benefit your family. It is also worth asking your care team about current best practices for monitoring skin health in children who have a family history of melanoma.
The takeaway
While education can improve sun-safety habits, changing long-term sunburn outcomes requires consistent, high-level protection. Families interested in skin cancer prevention should focus on establishing daily habits like applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
Further reading
For more on evolving approaches to risk reduction and prevention, visit our Cancer hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
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Do you trust that structured health education programs effectively improve your household's safety habits?
