Skip to main content

Student Care Network

Skin Smart Campus

 

Vanderbilt University has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Ensuring the well-being of our community, 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.

Skin Cancer Facts

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
    • The two most common skin cancers (basal cell 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 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 and sunburns, especially in early life
    • History of indoor tanning
      • The average tanning bed gives of 2 to 10 times more UVA radiation than the sun
      • Using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person’s risk for 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 most often occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nail (subungual) and in the nail areas
    • No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and
      hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin is important!
  • 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 shot glass or 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 risk of cataracts & macular degeneration–it makes sense to protect your eyes!
    • Check the UV Index – Know Before You Go!
      • The UV index can be found in most weather apps and also at https://www.weather.gov/ilx/uv-index
      • 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

ABCDE’s 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 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 sudden changes in size, shape, or color

View American Cancer Society’s guide to doing a self skin exam.

 

 

Additional Resources

Skin Cancer Foundation:
Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
Facts about skin cancer in people of color

American Academy of Dermatology:
Skin Cancer Prevention 
The Dangers of Indoor tanning
Indoor tanning stats and facts
Skin Cancer stats and facts

Melanoma Research Fund (MRF):
Preventing Melanoma
MRF’s Educator Course for Healthcare Students

Centers for Disease Control:
Skin Cancer – Sun Safety

David Cornfield Melanoma Fund:
“Dear 16 year old me”

US Food and Drug Administration:
Indoor Tanning: The risks of ultraviolet radiation

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention:
Webpage: www.skincancerprevention.org
Twitter: @skincancerprev
Facebook: @natlcouncilskincancerprevention
IG: @skincancerprev

Skin Smart Campus:
Webpage:  www.skinsmartcampus.org
Twitter: @skinsmartcampus
Facebook: @skinsmartcampus

 

 

VIEW MORE EVENTS >