Which nursing action best demonstrates primary cancer prevention?

• A. Encouraging yearly Pap tests
• B. Teaching testicular self-examination
• C. Teaching clients to wear sunscreen
• D. Facilitating screening mammograms

Answer: (C)

Primary prevention aims to stop cancer from developing by reducing exposure to risk factors. Wearing sunscreen does just that by blocking or reducing ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which lowers the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, squamous cell, and basal cell carcinoma.

The other actions focus on detecting cancer after it may have started or already been present. Pap tests screen for precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix (secondary prevention), while teaching about testicular self-examination and facilitating screening mammograms are also forms of screening to catch cancer early rather than prevent its occurrence.

So, wearing sunscreen best demonstrates primary prevention because it reduces a known risk factor before cancer can develop. For best protection, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating, wear protective clothing, and seek shade.