Skin Cancer Prevention
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University of Massachusetts Boston has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Ensuring the well-being of our students, we are
providing a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus, pledging to
keep indoor tanning devices off our campus and our affiliated buildings. We also promote skin
cancer prevention policies and education.
The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative is sponsored by the National Council on Skin
Cancer Prevention in response to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent
Skin Cancer which concluded that there is a strong association between increased risk of skin
cancer and indoor tanning use. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from indoor tanning is
completely avoidable which allows for interventions to help reduce skin-cancer-related illness
and deaths. Numerous studies have found that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer
in the United States, with melanoma as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among
young adults. According to The International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group,
the use of indoor tanning facilities before the age of 35 increases the risk for melanoma by 75
percent.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
- The two most common skin cancers (basal and squamous cell carcinomas) are highly curable but can be disfiguring and costly.
- Melanoma (the third most common skin cancer) may be deadly.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from a tanning device can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin.
General Risk Factors
General risk factors include:
- Light skin, or skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily; but skin of all colors can get skin cancer
- Large number of moles
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- History of sun exposure; skin damage is cumulative!
- History of sunburns, especially in early life
- History of indoor tanning
- the average tanning bed gives 2 to 10 times more UVA radiation than the sun
- using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person's risk of developing melanoma by 75%
Skin of Color – includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent:
- Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan, or rarely burn, you can still get skin cancer
- Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color, making it harder to treat
- Melanoma in people of color can occur on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nail (subungual) and in the nail areas–it’s important to show your provider any changes you notice
- No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin is important!
Sun Safety Practices
The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented with sun safety practices:
- Seek Shade
- Find shade under a dense tree canopy, shade sail, or pavilion.
- Carry a sun umbrella for personal shade.
- Use a pop-up UV shelter when at the beach or park
- Whenever possible, stay out of the sun from 10 AM - 4 PM when UV radiation is the strongest
- Wear Sunscreen
- Broad spectrum UVA and UVB, SPF 30 or higher
- Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Most people do not put on enough sunscreen–aim for one ounce, which is about a palmful.
- Wear Protective Clothing
- Long sleeves/pants with a dense weave or built-in UPF
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Closed-toe shoes and socks that cover the ankle
- Wear Sunglasses
- Choose sunglasses with a UV protective coating.
- Wearing sunglasses helps protect the delicate skin around our eyes.
- UV rays can also increase the risk of cataracts & macular degeneration – it makes sense to protect your eyes!
- Check the UV Index - Know Before You Go!
- Review the UV index (it can also be found in most weather apps).
- Dermatologists recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 and above.
- As levels approach 6 and above, it’s best to limit your time in the sun.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. Know your skin. Perform a self-exam each month. You can even ask a partner or friend to look at your back and scalp. If you see any of these warning signs, show them to your provider right away.
- Asymmetry: Moles that have an asymmetrical appearance
- Border: A mole that has blurry and/or jagged edges
- Color: A mole that has more than one color
- Diameter: Moles with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch)
- Evolution: A mole that has gone through changes in size, shape, or color
Read more information on the ABCDEs of Melanoma
