Skin Smart Campus

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus

Georgetown University and its School of Medicine have been recognized as Skin Smart Campuses by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. They have pledged to keep indoor tanning devices off campus and out of affiliated buildings, provide safe learning and living environments, and 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 of developing melanoma by 75%. 

skinsmartcampus.org

Skin Cancer 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.

  • 3 major types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
  • While carcinoma is more common than melanoma, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer
  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from a tanning device can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin

Common Risk Factors for Skin Cancer: 

  • 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–even without a burn; skin damage is cumulative!
  • History of sunburns, especially in early life
  • Indoor tanning
    • The average tanning bed gives off 2 to 10x more UV radiation than the sun
    • Using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases risk for developing melanoma by 75%

Skin Cancer in People of Color

Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan, or rarely burn, you can still get skin cancer. No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin is important!

  • Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color, making it harder to treat
  • Melanoma in people of color most often occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nail (subungual) and in the nail areas

Preventing UV Light Exposure

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to 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
    • When 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+
    • Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off
    • Most people do not put on enough sunscreen – aim for 1 oz spread evenly over all visible skin
  • 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
    • Helps protect the delicate skin around our eyes
    • Helps reduce risk of cataracts and macular degeneration
  • UV Index
    • Know before you go!
    • Consider checking the UV index which can often be found on your preferred weather app or on the EPA’s website
    • Dermatologists recommend the above sun safety measures when the UV index is 3 and above
    • As levels approach 6 and above, it’s best to limit your time in the sun

UV Value and Category: Effects

1-2 (“Low”): A UV index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person. Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen of at least SPF-30.

3-5 (“Moderate”): A UV index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take precautions, such as covering up, wearing a hat and sunglasses, if you will be outside. Use sunscreen of at least SPF-30. Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.

6-7 (“High”): A UV index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against sun damage is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. 

8-10 (“Very High”): A UV index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against sun damage is needed. Take extra precautions. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen of at least SPF-30, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants if practical. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. White sand on the beach will reflect UV rays and can double UV exposure. 

11+ (“Extreme”): A UV index reading of 11 or higher means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 liberally every 2 hours. Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

*Chart adopted from The National Weather Service

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, when detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. Know your skin. If you see any of these warning signs, show them to your provider right away.

A – Asymmetry: Visually divide the mole in half. An asymmetric mole will have one half that does not match the other half.

B – Border: Inspect the edges of the mole. A mole with an irregular or jagged border is worrisome. 

C – Color: Examine the color of the mole. The mole should be a uniformed color of brown or black. A problematic mole’s color will not be consistent, and may have areas of pink, red, white or blue. 

D – Diameter: Measure the side of the mole. A mole should not be larger than 6 millimeters across (bigger than a pencil eraser). 

E – Evolution: Evaluate your moles every month and also check for new ones. Keep track of any changes that occur over time, even if they seem minor.

*Chart adopted from The Melanoma Research Foundation

How To Do a Self Skin Exam

Additional Resources

Want to learn more? Check out the following resources: 

Skin Cancer Foundation

Skin Cancer Facts and Statistics

Skin Cancer in People of Color

American Academy of Dermatology

How To Prevent Skin Cancer

Indoor Tanning Facts

David Cornfield Melanoma Fund

“Dear 16 year old me”

A Neutrogena Studios Documentary

In the Sun

If you have any questions regarding the Skin Smart Campus initiative, please contact Dr. Kathryn Castle (kc1252@georgetown.edu) and David Perez (dp845@georgetown.edu).