Sun Protection for Skin Cancer Prevention
(RAYS Trial)
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+1 other location
Overseen byYelena P Wu, PhD
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Utah
Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Developmental delay, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
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.
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.12345
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.36789
How is the RAYS Intervention treatment different from other skin cancer prevention treatments?
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.
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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.
Trial 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 (Behavioral Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe 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
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: RAYS InterventionExperimental Treatment1 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: ControlActive Control1 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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of UtahLead Sponsor
West Virginia UniversityCollaborator
Georgetown UniversityCollaborator
References
Using Appearance-Based Messages to Increase Sun Protection in Adolescent Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study of Ultraviolet Light Photography. [2018]Despite risk for secondary skin cancers, many adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors do not practice recommended sun protection (SP). Ultraviolet light photography (UVP), which demonstrates the negative impact of sun exposure on physical appearance, has been shown to increase SP in community AYA samples. This study of 58 AYA cancer survivors demonstrates that UVP is acceptable and not distressing to this population. Follow-up data on 23 AYAs demonstrated that those given UVP significantly improve their SP behaviors, while those receiving standard educational materials do not. Results demonstrate UVP is a promising tool for increasing SP in AYA survivors.
Effects of a multicomponent intervention on motivation and sun protection behaviors among midwestern beachgoers. [2022]Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers in the United States. Although avoiding sun exposure and using sun protection reduces skin cancer risk, rates of such behaviors are moderate at best. The present study examined the impact of a multicomponent intervention that aimed to increase the saliency of skin cancer risk while promoting the use of sun protection. Midwestern beachgoers (n = 100) participated in an intervention or questionnaire-only control group. Sun protection, stage of change, and sun exposure were measured at baseline and 2-month follow-up. The intervention group significantly improved in sun protection use and stage of change, but not sun exposure, compared with the control group. Personalizing the risks of unprotected sun exposure combined with providing education about sun protection facilitated healthy changes in behavior and motivation.
Efficacy of an Intervention to Alter Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors in Young Adults. [2018]Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and its incidence is increasing. Young adults expose themselves to large amounts of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and engage in minimal skin protection, which increases their risk. Internet interventions are effective in modifying health behaviors and are highly disseminable. The current study's purpose was to test an Internet intervention to decrease UV exposure and increase skin protection behavior among young adults.
Increasing Skin Cancer Prevention in Young Adults: the Cumulative Impact of Personalized UV Photography and MC1R Genetic Testing. [2023]Skin cancer has become increasingly common among young adults; however, this population does not consistently adhere to recommended methods for preventing the disease. Interventions in college settings have relied on appearance-focused appeals and have not been able to examine the cumulative effect of multiple behavior change and skin cancer risk communication strategies. The goal of the current study was to examine the unique and combined impacts of personalized ultraviolet (UV) radiation photographs, genetic testing for skin cancer risk, and general skin cancer prevention education. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) skin cancer prevention education, (2) education + UV photo, (3) education + genetic testing, and (4) education + UV photo + genetic testing. Self-reported sun protection, tanning, and sunburn were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1 month post-intervention. The findings indicated benefits of the interventions to skin cancer prevention behaviors in the overall sample; however, the combined (UV photo + genetic testing) intervention had the most consistent positive effects on behaviors. Intervention effects were distinct across seasons. These results suggest that interventions containing multiple skin cancer risk communication strategies hold promise in benefitting health-promoting behavior changes in an at-risk, young adult population.Trial Registration Number: NCT03979872; Registered 6/5/2019.
Physician sun protection counseling: prevalence, correlates, and association with sun protection practices among US adolescents and their parents, 2004. [2015]To assess the population prevalence and correlates of ever receiving physician advice to practice sun protection (i.e. sun protection counseling) and whether such counseling is associated with sun protection behaviors in adolescents and their parents.
High-risk sun-tanning behaviour: a quantitative study in Denmark, 2008-2011. [2018]The incidences of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer have increased markedly over the past 30 years. The main risk factor is ultraviolet radiation from the sun and from sunbeds. The Danish Sun Safety campaign was launched in 2007 to curb this development by reducing the exposure of adolescents and young children. In this study, the characteristics of high-risk sun-tanning behaviour were assessed and the effect of the campaign was determined.
[Sun exposure behavior of children between 3-15 years of age living in Montpellier]. [2015]Increasing prevalence of skin cancer over the past few decades and their relationship with childhood sun exposure, show that educational campaigns on sun protection are urgently needed. The aim of this study is to estimate the degree of children's sun exposure in the south of France (43 degrees latitude north) and to study sun protection behaviors according to phenotypic characteristics.
Interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation: a systematic review. [2022]The relationship between skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation is well established. Behaviors such as seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of radiation, wearing protective clothing, or some combination of these behaviors can provide protection. Sunscreen use alone is not considered an adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation. This report presents the results of systematic reviews of effectiveness, applicability, other harms or benefits, economic evaluations, and barriers to use of selected interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services found that education and policy approaches to increasing sun-protective behaviors were effective when implemented in primary schools and in recreational or tourism settings, but found insufficient evidence to determine effectiveness when implemented in other settings, such as child care centers, secondary schools and colleges, and occupational settings. They also found insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of interventions oriented to healthcare settings and providers, media campaigns alone, interventions oriented to parents or caregivers of children, and community-wide multicomponent interventions. The report also provides suggestions for areas for future research.
Risk factors and early prevention of skin cancer in rural older outdoor workers: A scoping review. [2023]Skin cancer risk increases with age and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), particularly in rural geographical locations and for individuals with light skin complexions. However, the impact of UVR-induced skin cancer risk and sun-protective behaviors in rural older populations working outdoors has yet to be explored. A scoping review was conducted to fill this gap, with 12 articles meeting the inclusion criteria of aged 50 years and older among rural outdoor workers. Skin cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, and barriers to sun-protective behaviors were summarized for each study. The scoping review addressed some key differences in age-related effects of UVR among rural older outdoor workers compared to studies among adults in general. Findings have policy and research implications that highlight the need to design feasible preventive strategies to reduce rural disparities in cancer care and enhance access to preventive services for this high-risk population.
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]Sun and ultraviolet radiation exposure are major risk factors for skin cancer, and sun-protective behaviors and skin cancer examinations are means of primary prevention of skin cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which demographics and other high-risk behaviors may predict the reported level of participation in sun-protection behaviors and skin cancer primary prevention in the United States adult population.
Planning for a brighter future: a review of sun protection and barriers to behavioral change in children and adolescents. [2021]Skin cancer is one of the most preventable groups of malignancies; however, skin cancer incidence continues to rise in the United States. The relationship between skin cancer and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is well known. Many interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to UV radiation have been employed throughout the United States. Studies show an increase in knowledge and awareness regarding sun exposure and skin cancer. Unfortunately, sun protection interventions are slow at effecting behavioral change. In this review, we examine current barriers facing youth today in regards to sun protection practices, appropriate age groups to target for intervention, proposed methods of sun protection, the influence of role models in changing sun protective behavior, the stages of behavioral change, and characteristics and techniques of sun protection programs that can not only increase knowledge but actually elicit changes in sun protection behavior.