Rebecca Hicks

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has been named a platinum-level ‘Skin Smart Campus’ by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, a recognition of the university’s commitment to promoting skin cancer prevention and UV safety education. This achievement comes as a result of efforts led by Rebecca Hicks, a third-year medical student at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine whose dedication and advocacy played a pivotal role in securing the designation. 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, yet it is highly preventable. The ‘Skin Smart Campus’ initiative aims to encourage universities to adopt policies and practices that protect students, faculty, and staff from the dangers of skin cancer. This designation requires the institution to meet specific criteria, such as prohibiting the use of indoor tanning devices on campus and promoting education about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.  

“As an aspiring dermatologist, I am deeply committed to the importance of skin cancer prevention and proper skin care for long-term health,” Hicks said. “Early detection and education play a crucial role in reducing the risks of skin cancer, which inspired me to bring this initiative to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Advocating for sun safety and raising awareness about the value of skincare is a cause I am passionate about.” 

The ‘Skin Smart Campus’ designation underscores Marshall University’s commitment to public health and preventive care. For the university community, this means increased access to resources and education about sun safety, early detection of skin cancer and strategies for minimizing risk factors. Educational campaigns will focus on topics such as the importance of wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds and conducting regular skin checks. 

 “We are proud to be recognized as a Skin Smart Campus and grateful to Rebecca for her leadership in making this possible,” said Shane E. Cook, M.D, associate professor and chair of dermatology at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “This designation reflects Marshall’s ongoing dedication to fostering a healthy campus environment.” 

As part of the initiative, the School of Medicine plans to implement further educational programs and partnerships to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention. The goal is to empower students and staff to make informed decisions about their skin health and inspire a culture of wellness across the School of Medicine.

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention partners with IMPACT Melanoma to award two free sunscreen dispensers and a year’s worth of sunscreen as part of the platinum award. The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine plans to install the dispensers on the medical student campus as a tangible reminder to take steps to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. 

For more information about the “Skin Smart Campus” designation and skin cancer prevention resources at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, please visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/students/skin-smart-campus/.  

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 About the Initiative 

The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative was developed 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. Numerous studies have found that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—is 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 age 35 increases the risk for melanoma by 75 percent. 

Date Posted: Friday, January 24, 2025