USRT Study: UV Dosimetry Project

The UV Dosimetry Study Project is a pilot study designed to improve the effectiveness of questionnaires in assessing individual UV or sunlight exposures. Many epidemiologic studies have relied on questionnaires to assess individuals' past exposures to UV, including estimates of lifetime UV exposure. But only limited research has been undertaken to examine how well individuals are able to report their past exposures and whether different kinds of questions elicit more informative answers.

The study will involve 120 USRT participants, 60 men and 60 women, evenly divided between northern and southern latitudes. All participants will maintain a daily activity diary for one week while wearing a UV dosimetry badge to record UV exposure. Several months later participants will complete brief questionnaires about their time and activities outdoors during the week monitored, as well as their lifetime histories of sun exposure. Using comparisons between the diary and dosimetry data and the various questionnaire responses, investigators hope to be able to modify and improve standard questionnaire instruments. Ultimately, refining UV questionnaire assessment should help clarify the nature of UV exposure related to skin cancers and the possible UV effects on the risk of other cancers, such as breast, colon, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.