Sun Protection Education for Melanoma Prevention

(STARS Trial)

This trial focuses on teaching high school students in rural Utah about preventing skin cancer, specifically melanoma. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program in promoting sun-safe behaviors, such as using sunscreen and wearing hats. The trial includes activities and presentations tailored for a school setting, with feedback collected through surveys. Students enrolled in a Utah high school are eligible to participate. As an unphased trial, this study provides students with a unique opportunity to contribute to important educational research that could benefit their community.

The trial does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

A previous study showed that 66% of schools taught about sun safety, indicating it's a common and accepted practice. Another report found that 92% of campuses noticed a positive change in sun safety habits after implementing a sun safety plan. This suggests that educational programs about sun safety are well-received and can effectively improve behavior.

The treatment in this trial involves an educational presentation and activities focused on preventing skin cancer. These activities aim to share information and encourage sun-safe behaviors, such as using sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure. No physical treatments or medications are involved, eliminating the risk of side effects or adverse events often associated with clinical trials. The goal is to educate and change behaviors to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it introduces a novel way to prevent melanoma by focusing on education and proactive planning, especially tailored for rural settings. Unlike traditional methods such as sunscreen use or wearing protective clothing, this approach combines an interactive educational presentation with activities like action planning and risk assessments, engaging students directly. By involving school staff in the implementation and targeting young students, the program aims to instill early awareness and long-term preventive habits against skin cancer. This hands-on, community-integrated method could pave the way for more effective prevention strategies in areas with limited access to healthcare resources.

Schools can help prevent skin cancer by reducing students' exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. For instance, one study showed that 92% of schools noticed improved sun safety habits after implementing sun safety programs. This is important because excessive sun exposure causes most skin cancers. Research has indicated that about 80% of skin cancer cases can be prevented with proper sun protection. The educational program under study in this trial aims to teach these protective habits to lower the risk of developing skin cancer in the future.¹²³⁶⁷