A Randomised Trial of a Wearable UV dosimeter for Skin Cancer Prevention

Abstract

BackgroundNon-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. Despite well-defined guidelines on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) avoidance, it remains difficult for people to assess their individual exposure, as UVR is invisible and the onset of symptoms due to UVR damage is delayed.ObjectiveTo measure the clinical impact on skin cancer of a wearable device that measures UV exposure and provides real-time information to users about their UV behavior.MethodsIn a prospective, randomized controlled trial, ninety-seven patients with a history of actinic keratoses were enrolled and followed over six months. Fifty patients were given a wearable device that measured UV exposure and a smartphone application that provided both real-time and cumulative UV exposure information, and forty-seven patients were provided with UV protection counseling by a dermatologist.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in the incidence rate of NMSC in the intervention group compared to the control group over three months (p = 0.02).LimitationsThe study has a small sample size and recruited patients from a single site.ConclusionThis study suggests that providing real-time UV exposure data using a wearable UV dosimeter is a safe and effective behavioral change strategy to prevent NMSC.