Risk Information and Skin-Cancer Education for the Prevention of Skin Cancer in Undergraduate Students, RISE-UP Study
This clinical trial compares the effect of different combinations of skin-cancer risk and prevention education provided to undergraduate college students. Although skin cancer usually affects people later in life, it is becoming increasingly common in young adults. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure from the sun is the main risk factor for development of skin cancer, so efforts to reduce UVR exposure should start early in life. College students are at high risk for engaging in unintentional and intentional tanning behaviors that increase their UVR exposure. In general, they use inadequate sun protection strategies when they are outdoors. This trial is testing several combinations of prevention strategies including education about skin cancers risks and prevention, personalized action plan, UV photo, and genetic testing. Study staff will review information about risk factors for skin cancer, and general advice about skin cancer prevention behaviors with students. Participants may also receive guidance from a research assistant in completing a one-page worksheet for creating a personalized action plan for using sun protection and avoiding tanning. Photos taken of students' faces in UV light may be used to show skin damage from the sun. Participants may also provide a saliva sample for genetic testing for MC1R gene variants, which are known to be associated with an increased risk for developing skin cancer. These risk communication strategies may improve college students’ engagement in skin cancer prevention behaviors, including sun protection behaviors (sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, peak UVR hours avoidance) and avoiding tanning behaviors (indoor, outdoor, unintentional) and potentially decrease the incidence of skin cancer among undergraduate college students.