Traditionally, nurses have been involved with tertiary cancer prevention. However, an increasing emphasis is being placed on both primary and secondary prevention. What would be an example of primary prevention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Primary prevention stops cancer before it starts by reducing risk factors in healthy folks. Teaching sunscreen use blocks UV radiation a prime cause of skin cancer like melanoma fitting this category perfectly. Pap tests and mammograms are secondary prevention, detecting cervical and breast cancer early for treatment. Testicular self-exams also fall under secondary, aiming to catch testicular cancer sooner. The shift to primary efforts, like sun protection, reflects a proactive stance, cutting UV-induced DNA damage that kicks off carcinogenesis. Nurses pushing this can slash skin cancer rates, especially in fair-skinned populations, by fostering habits that shield against environmental triggers, unlike reactive screening or post-diagnosis care.