SPOTS: Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students

WHY we developed SPOTS?

• There has been a notable increase in the incidence of melanoma in children over the past 20 years, particularly adolescents
• It is the only cancer whose incidence continues to increase at 3-4% annually
• Melanoma is the primary cancer killer of young women ages 25-30 years

 

WHY teens?

• Sun protection programs for teens in the US are few in number and not comprehensive
• There is not much research data on school-based sun protection programs particularly for adolescents
• This is the age when experimental behaviors (risk taking) are high and lifelong behavior patterns are adopted
• This is the age group that spends the most time in the sun and tanning beds.

 

The main aims of the SPOTS program are:

• Educate adolescent students by increasing their knowledge of early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
• Εducate medical/allied health students regarding skin cancer and sun protection.
• Promote change from non-sun-protective to sun-protective attitudes and behaviors in both adolescents and medical professionals in training.
• Promote outreach education in the community by students training in the medical/allied health fields (physicians, nurses, physician assistants, masters in public health students)..

 

          What has been studied is the inadequacy and inconsistency of the use of sun protective behaviors in the US and the dire need for improvement.