Keywords

Skin Cancer; Climate Change; Climate Change and Health; Preventative Health Behaviors; Knowledge-Behavior Gap

Abstract

Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and climate change has been identified as a significant contributor. Preventative action early on can help reduce occurrence, but it is unknown if Generation Z is aware of this and is taking the necessary action now to protect themselves. This research aims to gauge the perception of Generation Z on the severity of skin cancer, the relationship between climate change and skin cancer, and the prevalence of preventative measures being taken. A survey was distributed to students aged 18 to 27 enrolled at the University of Central Florida through mixed sampling. The survey asked questions in five categories: connection between climate change and skin cancer, knowledge of skin cancer, perception of self-risk of skin cancer, preventative measures taken in response to skin cancer chances, and outdoor cancer-related behavior. Results showed that Generation Z is knowledgeable about skin cancer and its relationship to climate change, preventative measures are not taken consistently. This indicates a knowledge-behavior gap that may need to be addressed. Governments, public health organizations, and physicians can use this research to determine the best approach for campaigns about skin cancer awareness and behavior.

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair

Komenda, Sara

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Thesis Discipline

Environmental Studies

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright