Genetic Risk Factors and Offsetting Behavior: The Case of Skin Cancer

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-1997

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

This paper analyzes the extent of offsetting behavior using survey data on risk beliefs about skin cancer and precautionary actions that people can take to avoid this disease. The perspective taken is that, at conception, people are ''installed'' with differing genetic characteristics, such as skin type and complexion, which affect the likelihood of contracting skin cancer. The main issue addressed deals with how people's risk beliefs respond to the ''safety features'' reflected in their own genetic characteristics. Empirical results presented suggest that precautions against solar radiation exposure are chosen so as to partially offset genetic skin cancer protection.

Publication Title

Journal of Risk and Uncertainty

Volume

15

Issue

1

First Page

81

Last Page

97

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