RAYS tests the effectiveness of a skin cancer prevention program for youths living in rural counties in Utah and West Virginia.
Skin cancer is a significant public health challenge with more than 5 million Americans diagnosed annually. Individuals living in rural areas are at an even greater risk for skin cancer as they typically spend more time outdoors with greater exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Skin cancer can be prevented by limiting exposure to UVR and avoiding sunburns in childhood. RAYS (Rural Adult & Youth Sun) is a 5-year clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute to test the effectiveness of a skin cancer prevention program for youths playing sports in rural areas.
The program is delivered in recreational sports settings in Utah and West Virginia and encourages coaches, players, and parents to increase the use of sun safety strategies like sunscreen and protective clothing. The research team will learn if RAYS improves skin cancer prevention behaviors in childhood which may help to reduce skin cancer cases in rural areas over time. RAYS is a collaborative study between the University of Utah (Huntsman Cancer Institute), Georgetown University, and West Virginia University (WVU Cancer Institute).
Contact
For more information, please email Dannell Boatman, EdD, MS, at dboatman@hsc.wvu.edu.
