Sun Protection for Skin Cancer Prevention

(RAYS Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Kate M Welch, BS

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Utah

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Developmental delay, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

843 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the RAYS Intervention treatment for sun protection and skin cancer prevention?

Research shows that using personalized ultraviolet (UV) photography and genetic testing can significantly improve sun protection behaviors, especially when combined with education. These strategies have been effective in increasing sun protection among young adults, suggesting that similar approaches in the RAYS Intervention could be beneficial for skin cancer prevention. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Sun Protection for Skin Cancer Prevention treatment safe for humans?

The research articles reviewed do not provide specific safety data for the Sun Protection for Skin Cancer Prevention treatment or its related interventions. They focus on the effectiveness of sun protection behaviors and interventions to reduce skin cancer risk, but do not address safety concerns directly. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

How is the RAYS Intervention treatment different from other skin cancer prevention treatments?

The RAYS Intervention is unique because it focuses on education and policy approaches to increase sun-protective behaviors, particularly in rural settings, rather than relying solely on sunscreen use, which is not considered adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation. ^{3 8 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to help prevent skin cancer by improving the use of sun protective behaviors among youths living in rural communities in Utah and West Virginia.

Research Team

Yelena P Wu, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Utah

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for youths and adults in rural Utah or West Virginia who are involved with local sports leagues. Eligible participants include parents of children aged 3+, coaches, and leaders of youth sports teams. People must be able to speak and read English, without medical conditions that prevent survey completion.

Inclusion Criteria

Parent inclusion criteria: Live and/or work in rural communities in Utah or West Virginia (≥4 as defined by the RUCA or RUCC systems)

Coach/leader inclusion criteria: Live and/or work in rural areas of Utah or West Virginia (rural is defined as ≥4 by the RUCA or RUCC systems)

I am a minor living in or participating in sports in a rural area of Utah or West Virginia.

Exclusion Criteria

I can speak and read English.

Individuals who have a medical or other condition (e.g., developmental delay) that would preclude their completion of surveys will be excluded.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

RAYS intervention includes skin cancer prevention education and providing sun-safety supplies

6 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Post-intervention Assessment

Observation of sun protection behaviors such as sunscreen application, hat wearing, and shade seeking

3-6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sun protection behaviors and sunburn incidence

1 year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• RAYS Intervention

Trial Overview The RAYS Intervention is being tested to see if it can improve sun protective behaviors among rural community members in an effort to prevent skin cancer. The study focuses on educating those involved with youth sports leagues.

Participant Groups

Group I: RAYS Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The RAYS arm is the intervention being tested, which will include skin cancer prevention education and providing participants with sun-safety supplies.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

The Control arm of the study will not receive any skin cancer prevention information or sun-safety materials but will only receive general injury prevention information.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,169

Recruited

1,623,000+

West Virginia University

Collaborator

Trials

192

Recruited

64,700+

Georgetown University

Collaborator

Trials

355

Recruited

142,000+

Findings from Research

A study involving 58 adolescent and young adult cancer survivors found that using ultraviolet light photography (UVP) is an acceptable and non-distressing method to promote sun protection behaviors.

Follow-up data from 23 participants indicated that those who received UVP showed significant improvements in their sun protection practices compared to those who only received standard educational materials, suggesting UVP could be an effective tool for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Appearance-Based Messages to Increase Sun Protection in Adolescent Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study of Ultraviolet Light Photography. Recklitis, CJ., Bakan, J., Werchniak, AE., et al.[2018]

A study involving 100 beachgoers showed that a multicomponent intervention effectively increased sun protection behaviors and motivation to change, compared to a control group that only completed questionnaires.

The intervention successfully personalized the risks of skin cancer and educated participants about sun protection, leading to healthier behaviors without increasing sun exposure.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a multicomponent intervention on motivation and sun protection behaviors among midwestern beachgoers. Pagoto, S., McChargue, D., Fuqua, RW.[2022]

The UV4.me Internet intervention significantly reduced UV exposure and increased skin protection behaviors among young adults aged 18-25, with notable improvements observed at both 3 and 12 weeks after the intervention compared to a control group.

This study is the first randomized controlled trial demonstrating the effectiveness of an online program in modifying skin cancer risk behaviors, highlighting its potential as a scalable public health strategy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of an Intervention to Alter Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors in Young Adults. Heckman, CJ., Darlow, SD., Ritterband, LM., et al.[2018]

A study involving college students tested four different interventions to improve skin cancer prevention behaviors, finding that those who received both personalized UV photos and genetic testing showed the most significant positive changes in sun protection habits.

The research suggests that using multiple strategies for communicating skin cancer risks can effectively encourage healthier behaviors among young adults, particularly in a population that is at higher risk for skin cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Skin Cancer Prevention in Young Adults: the Cumulative Impact of Personalized UV Photography and MC1R Genetic Testing. Wu, YP., Hamilton, JG., Kaphingst, KA., et al.[2023]

44% of US adolescents and their parents reported receiving sun protection counseling from physicians, which was more common among those with additional sources of information and family history of skin cancer.

Receiving physician counseling was linked to better sun protection behaviors, such as regular sunscreen use and proper application, highlighting the importance of healthcare providers in promoting skin cancer prevention among adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physician sun protection counseling: prevalence, correlates, and association with sun protection practices among US adolescents and their parents, 2004. Bandi, P., Cokkinides, VE., Weinstock, MA., et al.[2015]

High-risk sun-tanning behavior, which increases the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, is more prevalent among younger women, individuals with certain skin types, and those with higher incomes, according to a study of 18,685 Danes from 2008-2011.

The Danish Sun Safety Campaign, launched in 2007, successfully reduced high-risk tanning behaviors, particularly among women and younger individuals, suggesting it may help lower future skin cancer rates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-risk sun-tanning behaviour: a quantitative study in Denmark, 2008-2011. Hansen, MR., Bentzen, J.[2018]

A study of 573 schoolchildren in Montpellier revealed that many children spend over 6 hours outside daily during summer, highlighting a significant risk for excessive sun exposure.

Despite some protective behaviors, such as sunscreen use at the beach (70% of children), overall sun protection is inadequate, especially among adolescents, indicating a need for improved educational campaigns on sun safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Sun exposure behavior of children between 3-15 years of age living in Montpellier]. Vergnes, C., Daures, JP., Sancho-Garnier, H., et al.[2015]

Education and policy approaches aimed at increasing sun-protective behaviors have been effective in primary schools and recreational settings for reducing skin cancer risk, according to a systematic review by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services.

However, there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of these interventions in other environments, such as child care centers and healthcare settings, highlighting the need for further research in these areas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation: a systematic review. Saraiya, M., Glanz, K., Briss, PA., et al.[2022]

A scoping review of 12 studies focused on rural outdoor workers aged 50 and older revealed that these individuals face unique skin cancer risks due to prolonged UV radiation exposure, particularly in rural areas.

The review highlights the need for tailored prevention strategies and improved access to sun protection resources to address the specific challenges faced by this high-risk population, emphasizing the importance of targeted public health policies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk factors and early prevention of skin cancer in rural older outdoor workers: A scoping review. Yu, SY., Hirsch, A., Zaslavsky, O., et al.[2023]

Only 21% of the 32,440 adults surveyed in the 1998 National Health Interview Survey reported ever having a skin cancer examination, highlighting a significant gap in skin cancer screening participation.

Participation in sun-protective behaviors was low, with only 30% of respondents using sunscreen regularly, indicating a need for increased awareness and education on skin cancer prevention strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lifestyle high-risk behaviors and demographics may predict the level of participation in sun-protection behaviors and skin cancer primary prevention in the United States: results of the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. Santmyire, BR., Feldman, SR., Fleischer, AB.[2022]

Despite increased awareness of the link between UV radiation and skin cancer, effective behavioral change regarding sun protection among youth remains slow, highlighting the need for improved intervention strategies.

The review identifies key barriers to sun protection practices in youth and emphasizes the importance of targeting specific age groups and utilizing role models to enhance the effectiveness of sun protection programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Planning for a brighter future: a review of sun protection and barriers to behavioral change in children and adolescents. Dadlani, C., Orlow, SJ.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Appearance-Based Messages to Increase Sun Protection in Adolescent Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study of Ultraviolet Light Photography. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a multicomponent intervention on motivation and sun protection behaviors among midwestern beachgoers. [2022]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of an Intervention to Alter Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors in Young Adults. [2018]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing Skin Cancer Prevention in Young Adults: the Cumulative Impact of Personalized UV Photography and MC1R Genetic Testing. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physician sun protection counseling: prevalence, correlates, and association with sun protection practices among US adolescents and their parents, 2004. [2015]

6. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-risk sun-tanning behaviour: a quantitative study in Denmark, 2008-2011. [2018]

7. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Sun exposure behavior of children between 3-15 years of age living in Montpellier]. [2015]

8. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation: a systematic review. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk factors and early prevention of skin cancer in rural older outdoor workers: A scoping review. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lifestyle high-risk behaviors and demographics may predict the level of participation in sun-protection behaviors and skin cancer primary prevention in the United States: results of the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Planning for a brighter future: a review of sun protection and barriers to behavioral change in children and adolescents. [2021]