Stanford School of Medicine is a designated
Skin Smart Campus

Stanford School of Medicine has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. We are pledging to keep indoor tanning devices off our campus and affiliated buildings, in an effort to ensure the well-being of our students and provide a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus. We also promote skin cancer prevention policies and education.

The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative is sponsored by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention in response to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer which concluded that there is a strong association between increased risk of skin cancer and indoor tanning use. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from indoor tanning is completely avoidable which allows for interventions to help reduce skin cancer-related illness and deaths. Numerous studies have found that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with melanoma as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group, the use of indoor tanning facilities before the age of 35 increases the risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

What you need to know about skin cancer: 

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States

    • The two most common skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are usually curable but can be damaging to your skin health and costly to treat

    • Melanoma (the third most common skin cancer) can be life-threatening

    • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or a tanning device can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin

  • General risk factors include:

    • Light skin, or skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily; but skin of all colors can get skin cancer

    • Large number of moles

    • Personal or family history of skin cancer

    • History of sun exposure – UV skin damage is cumulative

    • History of sunburns, especially in early life

    • History of indoor tanning:

      • The average tanning bed produces 2 to 10 times more UVA radiation than the sun

      • Using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person's risk of developing melanoma by 75%

  • Skin of color
    This includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent
    • Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan, or rarely burn, you can still get skin cancer 
    • Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color, making it harder to treat
    • Melanoma in people of color can occur on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nail (subungual), and in the nail areas – it’s important to show your healthcare provider any changes you notice
    • No matter your skin tone, UV radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Protecting your skin is important!

 

The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented with sun safety practices:

  • Seek shade

    • Find shade under a dense tree canopy, shade sail, or pavilion

    • Carry a sun umbrella for personal shade

    • Use a pop-up UV shelter when at the beach or park

    • Whenever possible, stay out of the sun from 10 AM - 4 PM when UV radiation is the strongest

  • Wear sunscreen

    • Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, SPF 30 or higher

    • Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off

    • Most people do not put on enough sunscreen – aim for one fluid ounce, which is about a palmful, to cover your entire body

  • Wear protective clothing

    • Long sleeves/pants with a dense weave or built-in UPF

    • Wide-brimmed hat

    • Closed-toe shoes and socks that cover the ankle

  • Wear sunglasses

    • Choose sunglasses with a UV protective coating

    • Wearing sunglasses helps protect the delicate skin around our eyes

    • UV rays can also increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration – it makes sense to protect your eyes!

  • Check the UV Index

    • Know before you go: check the UV index on your weather site or app

    • Dermatologists recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 and above

    • As levels approach 6 and above, it’s best to limit your time in the sun

  • Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma
    Melanoma accounts for about 1% of skin cancers but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths. However, when detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. Knowing your skin and performing a self-exam each month can help you catch skin cancer early, allowing for more treatment options. You can even ask a partner or friend to look at your back and scalp. If you see any of these warning signs, show them to your healthcare provider right away. See photos and learn how to spot the signs of melanoma:  
    • Asymmetry: Moles that have an asymmetrical appearance
    • Border: A mole that has blurry and/or jagged edges
    • Color: A mole that has more than one color
    • Diameter: Moles with a diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch)
    • Evolution: A mole that has gone through changes in size, shape, or color

American Academy of Dermatology's Body Mole Map

Reproduced with permission from the American Academy of Dermatology. Copyright (c)2024. All rights reserved.


Learn how to do a self-skin exam

Watch this video from the American Academy of Dermatology


This information was adapted from content provided by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. We want to give special thanks to Kristin M. Nord, MD, and Hayley Leatham, MD, for helping us review the content. 

Coming soon

 As part of this program, we will soon be able to provide free sunscreen to our students. Stay tuned for updates!


For more information, please contact:

Angel Zheng, czheng8@stanford.edu

Michelle Lin, michjlin@stanford.edu