The George Washington University has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our students by providing a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus, pledging to keep indoor taning 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
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from a tanning device can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin.
- The three major skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- While basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin cancers, they are highly curable. Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer and may be deadly.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Common 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 2-10 times more UV radiation than the sun
- Using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person's risk for developing melanoma by 75%
- History of immunosuppression or photosensitizing medication use
Skin Cancer in Skin of Color
“Skin of Color” can include a diverse range of demographic backgrounds including Africans, African Americans, African Caribbeans, Chinese and Japanese, Native American Navajo Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, and lighter skinned groups such as Indians, Pakistanis, and Arabs1.
No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and/or skin cancer. Protecting your skin is important!
- Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. Even if you have a darker skin tone, tan easily, or rarely burn, you are still at risk of developing skin cancer.
- Early detection saves lives. Skin cancer is often diagnosed at later stages in patients with skin of color, leading to poorer outcomes and greater morbidity.
- Know where to look. Melanoma in darker skin can occur in less obvious areas, such as the palms or soles (acral melanoma), under the nail (subungual) or around the nail.
1. Taylor S. C. (2002). Skin of color: biology, structure, function, and implications for dermatologic disease. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 46(2 Suppl Understanding), S41–S62. https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.120790
Preventing Skin Cancer
While skin cancer is the most common skin cancer worldwide, it is also the most preventable! Most skin cancers are caused by the cumulative damage from exposure to UV light. This can be prevented with consistent sun safety practices. Here are some important tips to follow when spending time in the sun:
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 AM - 4 PM when UV radiation is the strongest.
- Tip: If your shadow is shorter than you, then the UV radiation is probably high and you should seek shade!
Wear Sunscreen
- Broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB light.
- Aim for 1 oz. of sunscreen, which is about a palmful, spread evenly on the skin.
- Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off
Wear Protective Clothing
- Long sleeves/pants with a dense weave or built in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Closed-toe shoes and socks that cover the ankle
Wear Sunglasses
- Choose sunglasses with a UV protective coating
- Wearing sunglasses helps protect the delicate skin around our eyes and reduces the risk of cataracts & macular degeneration
Check the UV Index - Know Before You Go!
- The UV index can often be found on your preferred weather app or on the EPA website.
- Dermatologists recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 and above
- As levels approach 6 and above, it’s best to limit your time in the sun.
UV Index Chart
| UV Value and Category | Effects |
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1-2 |
A UV Index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person:
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3-5 |
A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
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6-7 |
A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against sun damage is needed.
|
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8-10 |
A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against sun damage is needed.
|
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11+ |
A UV Index reading of 11 or higher means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 liberally every 2 hours.
|
ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. Know your skin and perform a self-exam each month.
How to perform a skin self-exam:
Be familiar with the ABCDEs of Melanoma:
- Asymmetry: Moles that have an asymmetrical appearance
- Border: A mole that has blurry and/or jagged edges
- Color: A mole that has more than one color
- Diameter: Moles with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch)
- Evolution: A mole that has gone through changes in size, shape, or color
If you see any of these warning signs, show them to your provider right away.
Learn2Derm
Learn2Derm is a student-led initiative that was started by medical students at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2021. It is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge to take control of their skin health. Through educational programs and resources, Learn2Derm promotes skin health literacy in underserved communities, aiming to improve both skin health and overall well-being.
Recognizing the persistent disparities in disease burden among low-income and underrepresented groups, Learn2Derm seeks to raise awareness and provide individuals with the tools to better understand skin conditions. By increasing familiarity with skin diseases, the initiative helps people recognize symptoms, seek timely diagnosis, and prevent long-term complications from untreated disease.
Additional Resources
Skin Cancer Foundation
American Academy of Dermatology
- How to Prevent Skin Cancer
- Skin Cancer Statistics
- Indoor Tanning Facts
- The Dangers of Indoor Tanning
Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
David Cornfield Melanoma Fund
If you have any questions regarding the Skin Smart Campus initiative, please contact Dr. Adam
Friedman (ajfriedman@mfa.gwu.edu), Dr. Sarah Millan (Sarah.h.millan@medstar.net), Nikkia
Zarabian (nzarabian@gwu.edu), and Savanna Vidal (savannavidal@gwmail.gwu.edu)