Our Commitment to Skin Cancer Prevention
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine 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%.
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–even without a burn; skin damage is cumulative!
- History of sunburns, especially in early life
- History of indoor tanning - the average tanning bed produces 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%
Even if you have a darker skin tone—including people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Native American descent, among others—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.
Regardless of 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 may 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 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 1 oz., which is about a palmful
Wear Protective Clothing & Sunglasses
- Long sleeves/pants with a dense weave or built in UPF
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Closed-toe shoes and socks that cover the ankle
- 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.
As such, our campus has taken significant steps to promote skin cancer prevention and raise awareness about the dangers of UV exposure through indoor tanning. We have adopted policies in alignment with the initiative’s goals to help protect the health of our campus community.
Why is this Important?
Indoor tanning has been linked to increased risks of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. UV exposure from tanning beds can damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing the likelihood of skin cancer over time. In addition to cancer risks, excessive UV exposure can cause premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of skin elasticity.
By promoting a tan-free campus and raising awareness, we are working to prevent these dangerous outcomes and protect the health of our campus community.
Learn More
Get Involved
The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine encourages all students, faculty, and staff to participate in our skin cancer prevention efforts:
- Join the campaign: Help us spread the word about the risks of indoor tanning.
- Educate yourself: Visit the educational resources above to learn more about protecting your skin.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye out for upcoming campus events related to skin cancer awareness and UV safety.
By taking action today, we can create a safer, healthier environment for future generations of students and help reduce the incidence of skin cancer across the nation.
Together, we can protect our skin and promote a Tan-Free, Skin-Smart Campus at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine!
