Georgia Sun Smart Communities: Skin Cancer Prevention Project

Authors:

Erin Hernandez (Presenter)
Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition

Public Health Statement: Americans are being diagnosed with melanoma at steadily spiraling rates. According to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of new melanoma cases among American adults has tripled since the 1970s, from 7.9 per 100,000 people in 1975 to 24 per 100,000 in 2013. (NCI 2016). The best way to prevent skin cancer is through the regular use of sunscreen.

Purpose: Since 2000, the rates of new melanoma cases among Americans has been climbing by 1.4 to 1.6 percent per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC 2014). Teenagers experienced a 2% per year increase between 1973 and 2009 (Wong 2013). In 2014, the Surgeon General made a call to action to prevent skin cancer by increasing skin cancer awareness and to take actions to reduce its risk. In 2010, only 31% of adults reported using a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (NCI 2016). The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition (NWGRCC) is partnering with communities, health care centers, and businesses to increase the availability and use of sunscreen among community members in Northwest Georgia.

Methods/Approach: The NWGRCC is dedicated to reducing the risk of skin cancer, and protecting our community members from harmful UV ways! Using sunscreen when outdoors is the best preventative measure against skin cancer and Melanoma. Melanoma diagnoses are 13% higher in Georgia than the national average. The NWGRCC is working with community and businesses to install sunscreen dispensers in public and private settings so that sun protection can always be at one’s fingertips. The dispensers provide free 30 SPF sunscreen and help increase sun health awareness throughout the community. Educational messages are displayed with the dispensers and distributed throughout the Sun Smart Communities at outdoor and recreational events. The NWGRCC partnered with a local dermatology center to insure the accuracy and validity of the messaging for community patrons. Sunscreen dispensers are located in settings such as public schools, health departments, parks and recreational facilities, hiking trails, and private country clubs.

Results: The NWGRCC installed sunscreen dispensers in four counties throughout Northwest Georgia. Currently, 20 dispensers are in use, offering residents approximately 4,000 applications each per month.

Conclusions/Implications: The response from healthcare partners, community organizations, businesses, and municipalities has been overwhelming as residents of Northwest Georgia are able to better protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.