Exposure to risk and susceptibility to skin cancer in a sample of college students Corey H. Brouse, Ed.D. & Charles E. Basch, Ph.D. Columbia University Teachers College, Columbia University

Background According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/index.htm). Despite the fact that risk for melanoma doubles after a person has been burned more than 5 times by the sun, many people still do not use sun block.

Background What is worse, is that many young people engage in indoor tanning in which they expose themselves to ultraviolet radiation, which is a carcinogen and major risk factor in  the development of skin cancer.

Purpose This study offers relevant insight into the knowledge of sun safety habits, barriers to using sun block, and views and opinions toward tanning and sun exposure.

Methods An on-line survey was created and sent via e-mail to 153 undergraduate college students majoring in Health Promotion and Wellness. A total of 138 responses were submitted and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results The response rate was 89.6%. The majority of the respondents were female (79%) and Caucasian (94%).

Results Year in school (n =) 8 16 48 67 Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior 67

Results Most respondents (88%), reportedly spent 3 or more hours outside between 10 am and 4 pm in the summer, yet only 17 % reported always using sun block during this time.

Results When participating in outdoor activities at this time of the year, how often do you use sun block?

Results Nearly half (41%) of the respondents reported getting more than 10 sunburns in their life and 60% reported going tanning during the past year.

Results How many sunburns have you gotten in your life?

Results How many times have you gone tanning at a tanning salon in the past year?

Results Which of the following barriers to using sun block have you experienced? Barrier (n =) % It’s too expensive 8 5.8 I do not have time to use it 10 7.2 I forget to use it. 117 84.2 I don't get sunburns, so I don't use it. 29 20.9 When I play sports, my coach does not remind me. 7 5 When I play sports, my teammates do not use sun block. 11 7.9

Results If you were to purchase sun block, what level of SPF would you get?

Results Which of the following do you agree with? (n =) % It looks better to have a tan than to be pale. 93 66.9 I like to have a base tan before I get a lot of sun. 58 41.7 I usually don't think about getting too much exposure to the sun. 48 34.5 If it is not sunny, there is no risk of getting a sunburn. 12 8.6 Skin that is covered by clothing is protected from the sun. 39 28.1 Going tanning at the tanning salon is fine, as long as you don't go too much. 32 23.0

Conclusions The statistics in this study are somewhat alarming. The fact that almost all of the students were Caucasian and nearly half reported getting more than 10 sunburns in their life means that they are at increased risk for skin cancer.

Conclusions Sun block use is inconsistent and tanning is prevalent making this even more discouraging. The results indicate a need for interventions regarding skin safety  in college students, even those who are concentrating in health. 

Conclusions Based on the fact that the greatest barrier to sun block use was forgetting to use it, determining methods to prompt remembering would be worthwhile.