18th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
A Skin Cancer Prevention Intervention for Students Attending a Rural Northeast Missouri University
Ellen Berry* and Kimberly J. Kennett
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
Tanned skin is damaged skin. College students frequently seek a tan—whether by the sun or indoor tanning devices—because they think it makes them look more attractive or athletic. In the US, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, representing over half of all newly diagnosed cancers. Fortunately, individuals can reduce their risk for skin cancer by implementing proper sun protection behaviors. Educational interventions aimed at informing the college population is recommended for their own protection and for their future children. The purpose of this program was to increase students’ awareness of risk factors for skin cancer and to demonstrate proper sun protection behaviors. This study measured the effectiveness of a 30-minute sun safety seminar presented to college students at various university settings. Statistical t-test analysis on the pre-/post-test administered to the students will be used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention and future campus programming.
Keywords: skin cancer, tanning, health education, sun protection
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 49-2
Location: VH 1000
Time: 4:00