Skin Cancer Prevention

Molloy University 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 for melanoma by 75 percent.

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.

General 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; 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%

Skin of Color – includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent:

• Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan or rarely burn, you can still get skin cancer.
• Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color, making it harder to treat.
• Melanoma in people of color most often occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nail (subungual) and in the nail areas.
• No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin is important!