VCU investigators designing new skin cancer prevention programs

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers are searching for better ways to prevent skin cancer, a disease that affects more than 1 million Americans each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

VCU researchers from the Massey Cancer Center want to help people learn to protect their skin better, and thereby, reduce their chances of developing skin cancer.

Carolyn Heckman, Ph.D., assistant professor in VCU’s Department of Psychiatry and a Member Scientist of the Massey Cancer Center, hopes to target young adults through her Skin Savvy study. 

“Young adults often tan because they want to look good, but they aren’t considering how it will affect their appearance and health in the future,” said Heckman. “It’s important to increase awareness about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and to encourage sun-safe behaviors to decrease the future incidence of skin cancer.”

In order to design more effective skin cancer prevention programs, Heckman and her team of investigators are interested in learning about the attitudes toward tanning and current skin care habits of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Those interested can either complete an online or paper survey.

In another study, Heckman will photograph participates with a special camera that displays ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin. This will allow her to see evidence of already existing skin damage. Participants will then take part in an educational/counseling intervention session to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Heckman also will use a machine to measure objective changes in skin color due to ultraviolet radiation exposure as part of follow up to the intervention.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and the number of skin cancers has been on the rise steadily for the past 30 years.

Americans are at risk due to exposing themselves to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning booths and by not properly protecting themselves with sunscreen or other methods.