A cross-sectional investigation into the relationship among personality characteristics, genetic skin cancer risk, and behavioral skin cancer risk in white males age 35 and over

White males have the highest incidence of, and mortality rates from, skin cancer in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, guided by self-efficacy and attribution theory, was to address how health locus of control (HLOC) affects the skin cancer prevention behavior in white males over the age of 35 as measured by the Behavioral Skin Cancer Risk Inventory (BSCRI). A convenience sample of 145 participants completed surveys about their genetic and behavioral skin cancer risks and their HLOC. The research questions sought to uncover whether or not a linear relationship exists between genetic factors related to skin cancer (as quantified by GSCRI) and HLOC as well as differences between types of HLOC (Internal, External) and BSCRI. The survey results were coded and analyzed using bivariate regression and ANOVA. The results suggested that an individual's awareness of genetic risk factors is not related to HLOC, and there was no ability to estimate or predict HLOC scores based on an individual's GSCRI. Participants who had a known genetic skin cancer risk did not have fewer risk-prone behaviors. Additionally, no significant difference in BSCRI scores was found regardless of participant HLOC orientation. The most important study limitation was that HLOC is highly subjective and may be swayed by transient influences. This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between predisposing genetic risk factors and perception of control over disease, and adds to the body of research knowledge on use of the HLOC construct and instrument. The findings contribute to positive social change by providing knowledge for health professionals to better understand factors affecting skin cancer early detection and thus more effectively promote prevention behaviors.