2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
Transcript Of 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
2019 SKIN CANCER PREVENTION
PROGRESS REPORT
CONTENTS
Foreword from the Surgeon General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 What’s New This Year?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Success Stories from the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Outcome Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Behavioral surveillance indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Policy and Program Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2019
SKIN CANCER PREVENTION
PROGRESS REPORT
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
FOREWORD FROM THE SURGEON GENERAL
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Skin cancer is far too common, often preventable, and holds a deep personal connection for me and my family. My own wife
was diagnosed with and recently completed treatment for melanoma. Unfortunately, my family’s situation is far from unique. I believe we can and must do more to reverse the trend of increasing skin cancer diagnoses in our country.
Five years ago, the release of the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer raised awareness of skin cancer as an urgent public health problem. As a roadmap for moving forward, the Call to Action reflected the persistent and passionate work of partners from across the country, united by a shared vision of a future without skin cancer.
We know most skin cancers can be prevented through adequate use of sun protection and avoidance of indoor tanning. Since the release of the Call to Action, we have made important strides in these areas. Twenty-one states have passed laws to protect those under the age of 18 from the harms of indoor tanning. Meanwhile, data collected from the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey has proven that age restriction laws are working to reduce indoor tanning, particularly among high school girls. Colleges and universities have also taken action, with many pledging to end policies and practices that unintentionally promote indoor tanning among their students.
Twenty-three states now have laws to improve access to sunscreen for children, including 22 states with laws that speak directly to children’s ability to carry and selfapply sunscreen at school. Across the country, many organizations have made it easier for visitors of all ages to
be sun safe while outdoors, by installing shade structures and free sunscreen dispensers at public parks, playgrounds, pools, and sports fields.
Research has shed light on best practices for skin cancer prevention communication for a variety of target audiences. We’ve advanced our understanding of the many contexts in which sun protection is needed, beyond the beach and the pool. Continued national surveillance efforts have further allowed us to track progress and identify gaps.
We have come a long way, but skin cancer remains a serious threat to our public’s health. Each year, one out of three adults and more than half of high school students get sunburned. An estimated 900,000 high school students and 7.8 million adults continue to put themselves at risk by using indoor tanning devices, which remain available and often unsupervised in many gyms, fitness centers, apartment complexes, and salons. This has resulted in an unfortunate but steady rise in skin cancer incidence rates.
As you review this progress report, I ask that you acknowledge, celebrate, and share the progress we’ve made to prevent skin cancer. But I also hope you recognize those areas where we are falling short, and where you can commit to a redoubling of our efforts. We can each play a role and make a positive difference. So join me as we continue our quest to make skin cancer prevention a reality.
Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H.
Vice Admiral, U.S. Public Health Service Surgeon General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
4 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
BACKGROUND
In July 2014, the Office of the Surgeon General released The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer, establishing skin cancer prevention as a high priority for our nation.1 The Call to Action described prevention strategies that work and called on all community sectors to play a role in protecting Americans from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as indoor tanning devices.¹
This year, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Call to Action and the growing number of partners at the national, state, and local levels working
to advance the strategic goals for skin cancer prevention in the United States. This fifth annual Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent data available and highlights developments and success stories since the release of the 2018 Progress Report. These annual updates to the report provide information to monitor progress, learn from successes, reveal areas that need improvement, and identify opportunities to work collaboratively to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
Strategic Goals and Partners to Support Skin Cancer Prevention in the United States
Strategic Goals
Goal 1: Increase opportunities for sun protection in outdoor settings. Goal 2: Provide individuals with the information they need to make informed, healthy choices
about UV exposure. Goal 3: Promote policies that advance the national goal of preventing skin cancer. Goal 4: Reduce harms from indoor tanning. Goal 5: Strengthen research, surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation related to skin
cancer prevention.
Partners in Prevention • Federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial governments. • Businesses, employers, and labor representatives. • Health care systems, insurers, and clinicians. • Early learning centers, schools, colleges, and universities. • Community, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations. • Individuals and families.
Source: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.
2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report 5
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?
Over the past year, CDC researchers have led or collaborated on numerous peerreviewed scientific publications, bringing continued attention to skin cancer prevention as a public health priority.
Below are some highlights.
High School Girls Half as Likely to Indoor Tan When State Law Prohibits Use
In July 2018, the American Journal of Public Health published a paper on the association between state indoor tanning laws and indoor tanning behavior among high school students.2 Age restriction laws were associated with a 47% lower indoor tanning prevalence among female high school students. Parental permission laws were not found to be associated with indoor tanning prevalence among either female or male high school students.
Low Sunscreen Use Found Among Children Compared to Other Preventive Behaviors
A paper published in Pediatric Dermatology in September 2018 examined sunscreen use among a sample of 5,119 fifth grade students and found lower use of sunscreen compared to adherence to other basic preventive behaviors (such as brushing and flossing teeth, helmet use, seat belt use, and well-child examination).3 Factors associated with lower odds of sunscreen use included being male, being non-Hispanic black or Hispanic, and having lower socioeconomic status.
Skin Cancer Misperceptions Among Black and Hispanic Adults
Data from 18 focus groups on skin cancer knowledge, awareness, beliefs, and preventive behaviors among black and Hispanic men and women were published in Preventive Medicine Reports in October 2018.4 The findings indicated low use of sun protection and highlighted misperceptions about risks and benefits of skin cancer prevention behaviors among black and Hispanic populations.
6 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?
Shade as an Environmental Design Tool for Skin Cancer Prevention
The American Journal of Public Health published an analytic essay on shade as an environmental design tool for skin cancer prevention in December 2018.5 The essay provided a review of the literature on shade design, use, and policy and highlighted the value of integrating shade planning into community design, planning, and architecture.
Low Use of Shade and Sunscreen Found Among Agricultural and Construction Workers
In February 2019, a paper on use of sun protection and sunburn among agricultural and construction workers was published in Preventing Chronic Disease.6 About one-third of these outdoor workers had been sunburned in the past year. Agricultural workers had a higher prevalence of almost all sun-protection behaviors compared to construction workers. Prevalence of regular shade and sunscreen use was lower among agricultural and construction workers compared to national estimates.
Sunburn Remains Common Among U.S. Adults
Each year, one in three U.S. adults get sunburned. Findings reported in a research letter published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in March 2019 indicate little change in the prevalence of sunburn among U.S. adults in recent years.7 Evidence-based interventions to reduce UV exposure and increase sun protection are available. However, more efforts are needed to help communities adapt and adopt these strategies and programs to meet their unique needs and maximize the likelihood of sustainability of sun-safety interventions over time.
National Incidence Rates of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Are on the Rise
A research letter published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in April 2019 described Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) incidence, trends, and survival rates among adults aged 50 years and older from United States Cancer Statistics.8 An average of just under 2,000 cases of MCC were diagnosed each year. MCC incidence rates increased over time, and the 5-year relative survival rate was 55.1% among men and 67.7% among women.
2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report 7
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?
Each Year, One in Five Sun-Sensitive Older Adults Gets Sunburned
In June 2019, a paper that described sun protection behaviors and sunburn among U.S. older adults was published in The Gerontologist.9 Just over one in eight of all of all older adults (13.2%) and about one in five sun-sensitive older adults (20.4%) had experienced sunburn in the past year. Men, adults between 65 and 69 years old, non-Hispanic whites, and those with skin that burns or freckles after repeated sun exposure were more likely to have been sunburned in the past year compared to the respective comparison groups.
Indoor Tanning Continues to Decline Among U.S. High School Students
A paper published in the Journal of Community Health in June 2019 assessed changes in the prevalence of indoor tanning among U.S. high school students over time by sex, age, and race/ethnicity.10 Indoor tanning has continued to decrease, particularly among white and Hispanic female students. However, continued efforts are needed to further reduce and sustain reductions in adolescent indoor tanning.
Lack of Time Is an Important Barrier to Clinical Counseling on Skin Cancer Prevention
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians counsel fair-skinned patients aged 6 months to 24 years on skin cancer prevention and selectively counsel fair-skinned adults older than 24 years. A paper published in Preventive Medicine in July 2019 described self-reported skin cancer prevention counseling practices among family practitioners, internists, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners.11 Lack of time, more urgent health concerns, and patient disinterest were identified as important barriers to clinical counseling.
8 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
Young Women’s Beliefs About Quitting Indoor Tanning
In the United States, the highest prevalence of indoor tanning is among young non-Hispanic white women, with 20% of those aged 18 to 21 years and 14% of those aged 22 to 25 years reporting having indoor tanned in the past year. To inform effective communication about reducing or quitting indoor tanning for this demographic group, CDC provided funds to the University of Pennsylvania, Prevention Research Center to assess attitudes and beliefs related to indoor tanning and develop and test messages about quitting or cutting back on indoor tanning.
Over the past year, results from this work have been published in the peer reviewed literature.12,13
Below are some key findings:
Among non-Hispanic white female indoor tanners aged 18 to 25 years, beliefs positively associated with intention to quit indoor tanning included
▪ The belief that quitting would reduce damage to skin. ▪ The belief that key people (such as one’s mother, friends, and/or romantic partner)
would approve of quitting.
Among frequent indoor tanners ▪ Reasons for indoor tanning included · Improving physical appearance. · Social acceptance. · Increased confidence. · Happiness. ▪ Perceived advantages of cutting back or quitting indoor tanning included · Decreased skin cancer risk. · Saved money. ▪ Perceived disadvantages of cutting back or quitting indoor tanning included · Concerns about being pale. · A decline in self-confidence.
Financial support: This research is a product of a Prevention Research Center and was supported by funding through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U48DP005053 to University of Pennsylvania from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Reducing Sun Exposure Through a Community-Wide Approach
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Caballero.
Cancer prevention and control is a cornerstone of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s mission to eliminate cancer. Aligned with that mission, MD Anderson established Be Well Communities™, a place-based strategy for cancer prevention and control, working with communities to promote wellness and reduce cancer risks. Baytown, Texas was selected as the inaugural Be Well Community. The Be Well™ Baytown initiative focuses on five target health areas, one of which is sun safety. In line with the evidence-based skin cancer prevention recommendations included in The Guide to Community Preventive Services14, Be Well Baytown uses a multi-component communitywide approach to improve sun protection in a variety of settings. The following section highlights key successes carried out in partnership with four local organizations in Baytown including child care centers; primary, middle and high schools; and outdoor recreational and tourism settings.
10 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
PROGRESS REPORT
CONTENTS
Foreword from the Surgeon General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 What’s New This Year?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Success Stories from the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Outcome Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Behavioral surveillance indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Policy and Program Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2019
SKIN CANCER PREVENTION
PROGRESS REPORT
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
FOREWORD FROM THE SURGEON GENERAL
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Skin cancer is far too common, often preventable, and holds a deep personal connection for me and my family. My own wife
was diagnosed with and recently completed treatment for melanoma. Unfortunately, my family’s situation is far from unique. I believe we can and must do more to reverse the trend of increasing skin cancer diagnoses in our country.
Five years ago, the release of the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer raised awareness of skin cancer as an urgent public health problem. As a roadmap for moving forward, the Call to Action reflected the persistent and passionate work of partners from across the country, united by a shared vision of a future without skin cancer.
We know most skin cancers can be prevented through adequate use of sun protection and avoidance of indoor tanning. Since the release of the Call to Action, we have made important strides in these areas. Twenty-one states have passed laws to protect those under the age of 18 from the harms of indoor tanning. Meanwhile, data collected from the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey has proven that age restriction laws are working to reduce indoor tanning, particularly among high school girls. Colleges and universities have also taken action, with many pledging to end policies and practices that unintentionally promote indoor tanning among their students.
Twenty-three states now have laws to improve access to sunscreen for children, including 22 states with laws that speak directly to children’s ability to carry and selfapply sunscreen at school. Across the country, many organizations have made it easier for visitors of all ages to
be sun safe while outdoors, by installing shade structures and free sunscreen dispensers at public parks, playgrounds, pools, and sports fields.
Research has shed light on best practices for skin cancer prevention communication for a variety of target audiences. We’ve advanced our understanding of the many contexts in which sun protection is needed, beyond the beach and the pool. Continued national surveillance efforts have further allowed us to track progress and identify gaps.
We have come a long way, but skin cancer remains a serious threat to our public’s health. Each year, one out of three adults and more than half of high school students get sunburned. An estimated 900,000 high school students and 7.8 million adults continue to put themselves at risk by using indoor tanning devices, which remain available and often unsupervised in many gyms, fitness centers, apartment complexes, and salons. This has resulted in an unfortunate but steady rise in skin cancer incidence rates.
As you review this progress report, I ask that you acknowledge, celebrate, and share the progress we’ve made to prevent skin cancer. But I also hope you recognize those areas where we are falling short, and where you can commit to a redoubling of our efforts. We can each play a role and make a positive difference. So join me as we continue our quest to make skin cancer prevention a reality.
Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H.
Vice Admiral, U.S. Public Health Service Surgeon General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
4 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
BACKGROUND
In July 2014, the Office of the Surgeon General released The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer, establishing skin cancer prevention as a high priority for our nation.1 The Call to Action described prevention strategies that work and called on all community sectors to play a role in protecting Americans from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as indoor tanning devices.¹
This year, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Call to Action and the growing number of partners at the national, state, and local levels working
to advance the strategic goals for skin cancer prevention in the United States. This fifth annual Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent data available and highlights developments and success stories since the release of the 2018 Progress Report. These annual updates to the report provide information to monitor progress, learn from successes, reveal areas that need improvement, and identify opportunities to work collaboratively to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
Strategic Goals and Partners to Support Skin Cancer Prevention in the United States
Strategic Goals
Goal 1: Increase opportunities for sun protection in outdoor settings. Goal 2: Provide individuals with the information they need to make informed, healthy choices
about UV exposure. Goal 3: Promote policies that advance the national goal of preventing skin cancer. Goal 4: Reduce harms from indoor tanning. Goal 5: Strengthen research, surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation related to skin
cancer prevention.
Partners in Prevention • Federal, state, tribal, local, and territorial governments. • Businesses, employers, and labor representatives. • Health care systems, insurers, and clinicians. • Early learning centers, schools, colleges, and universities. • Community, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations. • Individuals and families.
Source: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.
2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report 5
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?
Over the past year, CDC researchers have led or collaborated on numerous peerreviewed scientific publications, bringing continued attention to skin cancer prevention as a public health priority.
Below are some highlights.
High School Girls Half as Likely to Indoor Tan When State Law Prohibits Use
In July 2018, the American Journal of Public Health published a paper on the association between state indoor tanning laws and indoor tanning behavior among high school students.2 Age restriction laws were associated with a 47% lower indoor tanning prevalence among female high school students. Parental permission laws were not found to be associated with indoor tanning prevalence among either female or male high school students.
Low Sunscreen Use Found Among Children Compared to Other Preventive Behaviors
A paper published in Pediatric Dermatology in September 2018 examined sunscreen use among a sample of 5,119 fifth grade students and found lower use of sunscreen compared to adherence to other basic preventive behaviors (such as brushing and flossing teeth, helmet use, seat belt use, and well-child examination).3 Factors associated with lower odds of sunscreen use included being male, being non-Hispanic black or Hispanic, and having lower socioeconomic status.
Skin Cancer Misperceptions Among Black and Hispanic Adults
Data from 18 focus groups on skin cancer knowledge, awareness, beliefs, and preventive behaviors among black and Hispanic men and women were published in Preventive Medicine Reports in October 2018.4 The findings indicated low use of sun protection and highlighted misperceptions about risks and benefits of skin cancer prevention behaviors among black and Hispanic populations.
6 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?
Shade as an Environmental Design Tool for Skin Cancer Prevention
The American Journal of Public Health published an analytic essay on shade as an environmental design tool for skin cancer prevention in December 2018.5 The essay provided a review of the literature on shade design, use, and policy and highlighted the value of integrating shade planning into community design, planning, and architecture.
Low Use of Shade and Sunscreen Found Among Agricultural and Construction Workers
In February 2019, a paper on use of sun protection and sunburn among agricultural and construction workers was published in Preventing Chronic Disease.6 About one-third of these outdoor workers had been sunburned in the past year. Agricultural workers had a higher prevalence of almost all sun-protection behaviors compared to construction workers. Prevalence of regular shade and sunscreen use was lower among agricultural and construction workers compared to national estimates.
Sunburn Remains Common Among U.S. Adults
Each year, one in three U.S. adults get sunburned. Findings reported in a research letter published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in March 2019 indicate little change in the prevalence of sunburn among U.S. adults in recent years.7 Evidence-based interventions to reduce UV exposure and increase sun protection are available. However, more efforts are needed to help communities adapt and adopt these strategies and programs to meet their unique needs and maximize the likelihood of sustainability of sun-safety interventions over time.
National Incidence Rates of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Are on the Rise
A research letter published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in April 2019 described Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) incidence, trends, and survival rates among adults aged 50 years and older from United States Cancer Statistics.8 An average of just under 2,000 cases of MCC were diagnosed each year. MCC incidence rates increased over time, and the 5-year relative survival rate was 55.1% among men and 67.7% among women.
2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report 7
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR?
Each Year, One in Five Sun-Sensitive Older Adults Gets Sunburned
In June 2019, a paper that described sun protection behaviors and sunburn among U.S. older adults was published in The Gerontologist.9 Just over one in eight of all of all older adults (13.2%) and about one in five sun-sensitive older adults (20.4%) had experienced sunburn in the past year. Men, adults between 65 and 69 years old, non-Hispanic whites, and those with skin that burns or freckles after repeated sun exposure were more likely to have been sunburned in the past year compared to the respective comparison groups.
Indoor Tanning Continues to Decline Among U.S. High School Students
A paper published in the Journal of Community Health in June 2019 assessed changes in the prevalence of indoor tanning among U.S. high school students over time by sex, age, and race/ethnicity.10 Indoor tanning has continued to decrease, particularly among white and Hispanic female students. However, continued efforts are needed to further reduce and sustain reductions in adolescent indoor tanning.
Lack of Time Is an Important Barrier to Clinical Counseling on Skin Cancer Prevention
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians counsel fair-skinned patients aged 6 months to 24 years on skin cancer prevention and selectively counsel fair-skinned adults older than 24 years. A paper published in Preventive Medicine in July 2019 described self-reported skin cancer prevention counseling practices among family practitioners, internists, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners.11 Lack of time, more urgent health concerns, and patient disinterest were identified as important barriers to clinical counseling.
8 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report
Young Women’s Beliefs About Quitting Indoor Tanning
In the United States, the highest prevalence of indoor tanning is among young non-Hispanic white women, with 20% of those aged 18 to 21 years and 14% of those aged 22 to 25 years reporting having indoor tanned in the past year. To inform effective communication about reducing or quitting indoor tanning for this demographic group, CDC provided funds to the University of Pennsylvania, Prevention Research Center to assess attitudes and beliefs related to indoor tanning and develop and test messages about quitting or cutting back on indoor tanning.
Over the past year, results from this work have been published in the peer reviewed literature.12,13
Below are some key findings:
Among non-Hispanic white female indoor tanners aged 18 to 25 years, beliefs positively associated with intention to quit indoor tanning included
▪ The belief that quitting would reduce damage to skin. ▪ The belief that key people (such as one’s mother, friends, and/or romantic partner)
would approve of quitting.
Among frequent indoor tanners ▪ Reasons for indoor tanning included · Improving physical appearance. · Social acceptance. · Increased confidence. · Happiness. ▪ Perceived advantages of cutting back or quitting indoor tanning included · Decreased skin cancer risk. · Saved money. ▪ Perceived disadvantages of cutting back or quitting indoor tanning included · Concerns about being pale. · A decline in self-confidence.
Financial support: This research is a product of a Prevention Research Center and was supported by funding through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U48DP005053 to University of Pennsylvania from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Reducing Sun Exposure Through a Community-Wide Approach
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Caballero.
Cancer prevention and control is a cornerstone of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s mission to eliminate cancer. Aligned with that mission, MD Anderson established Be Well Communities™, a place-based strategy for cancer prevention and control, working with communities to promote wellness and reduce cancer risks. Baytown, Texas was selected as the inaugural Be Well Community. The Be Well™ Baytown initiative focuses on five target health areas, one of which is sun safety. In line with the evidence-based skin cancer prevention recommendations included in The Guide to Community Preventive Services14, Be Well Baytown uses a multi-component communitywide approach to improve sun protection in a variety of settings. The following section highlights key successes carried out in partnership with four local organizations in Baytown including child care centers; primary, middle and high schools; and outdoor recreational and tourism settings.
10 2019 Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report