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Skin Smart Campus

The University of Maryland, College Park has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Ensuring the well-being of our students, we are providing a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus, pledging to keep indoor tanning 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 of melanoma by 75%.

Skin Cancer 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

  • The two most common skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) are highly curable but can be disfiguring and costly.
  • Melanoma (the third most common skin cancer) may be deadly.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from a tanning device can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin.
  • 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 to 10 times more UVA radiation than the sun 
    • Using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person's risk for developing melanoma by 75% 
  • Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan or rarely burn, you can still get skin cancer including those of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent
  • Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color, making it harder to treat
  • Melanoma in people of color can occur on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nail (subungual) and in the nail areas–it’s important to show your provider any changes you notice
  • No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin is important!
MYTH FACT
Sunscreen is not required on cloudy days Cloudy days do not block UV rays
A Base tan protects against skin cancer Base tan provides minimal protection against skin cancer
People with darker skin tones can't get skin cancer Skin cancer can affect all skin tones
Skin cancer is not life-threatening Some skin cancers are life-threatening

Myth vs Fact adopted from the Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation…

  • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
  • More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
  • Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
  • When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.  
  • In the U.S., more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. More than two people die of the disease every hour.
  • More than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in over 3.3 million people in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year new statistics were available.
  • More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.
  • At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

Sun safety practices

  • 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
  • Broad spectrum UVA and UVB, SPF 30 or higher
  • Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off
  • Most people do not put on enough sunscreen–aim for one ounce, which is about a palmful 
  • Long sleeves/pants with a dense weave or built-in UPF
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Closed-toe shoes and socks that cover the ankle
  • Choose sunglasses with a UV protective coating
  • Wearing sunglasses helps protect the delicate skin around our eyes
  • UV rays can also increase the risk of cataracts & macular degeneration–it makes sense to protect your eyes!
  • The UV index can be found in most weather apps and also here
  • 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
Diagram of the levels of UV index and their need for sun protection. 1-2 “Low” where little to no sun protection is needed 2-5 “Medium” where sun protection is required 6-7 “High” where sun protection is required 8-10 “Very High” where extra sun protection is required 11+ is “Extremely High” where extra sun protection is required

*UV Index chart adopted from Animas Surgical Hospital. 

UV Level
1-2 Low Little to no sun protection is needed
2-5 Medium Sun protection is required
6-7 High Sun protection is required
8-10 Very High Extra sun protection is required

ABCDEs of Melanoma: 

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. Know your skin. Perform a self-exam each month, or get one done at a dermatologist clinic. You can even ask a partner or friend to look at your back and scalp. If you see any of these warning signs, show them to your provider right away. 

Diagram of how to determine if a spot is a melanoma or a mole by defining its ABCDEs. 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), and Evolution: A mole that has gone through changes in size, shape, or color

*ABCDE Chart Adopted from Family Caregivers Online 

ABCDE Chart
A Asymmetry Moles that have an asymmetrical appearance
B Border A mole that has blurry and/or jagged edges
C Color A mole that has more than one color
D Diameter Moles with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch)
E Evolution A mole that has gone through changes in size, shape, or color

How to do a Self-Skin Exam:

Diagram on how to examine your skin for skin cancer. You will need a full-length mirror, a well-lit room, a hand mirror, a chair, and a picture device or a notebook. The steps to conduct a test include (1) remove all clothing, (2) check new spots and the state of every mark starting with your hands, (3) examine your feet and check between toes, (4) examine your scalp with a comb and check your back, and (5) check your front side and arms

*Self Skin exam Adopted from The Skin Cancer Doctor

Step Self Exam Instructions
1 remove all clothing
2 check new spots and the state of every mark starting with your hands
3 examine your legs and feet. check between toes
4 examine your scalp with a comb and check your back
5 check your front side and arms

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