Assessing the Indoor Tanning Behaviors and Risk of Skin Cancer Among Illinois Wesleyan University Students

Submission Type

Event

Expected Graduation Date

2014

Location

Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-12-2014 11:00 AM

End Date

4-12-2014 12:00 PM

Disciplines

Environmental Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the indoor tanning behaviors at Illinois Wesleyan University and formulate strategies to reduce students’ risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is widespread, and is the second most common cancer among people aged 15-24. There is strong evidence to support that many skin cancer cases seen today could have been avoided if the individual had never used an indoor tanning device. The use of indoor tanning devices is very popular among college-aged females, thus persuading this demographic to reduce their indoor tanning behavior is essential in order to reduce the rates of skin cancer. The methodology of the research included conducting an extensive literature review, interviewing three community key informants as well as 25 students, investigating the indoor tanning business in the community, and finally constructing and sending out an indoor tanning survey to Illinois Wesleyan students. Results indicated that indoor tanning is somewhat prevalent at Illinois Wesleyan: about 18 percent of survey respondents reported using them anywhere from one to over forty times in the last year. Several strategies were suggested to reduce this rate, and are being further developed.

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Apr 12th, 11:00 AM Apr 12th, 12:00 PM

Assessing the Indoor Tanning Behaviors and Risk of Skin Cancer Among Illinois Wesleyan University Students

Room E102, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

The purpose of this research is to assess the indoor tanning behaviors at Illinois Wesleyan University and formulate strategies to reduce students’ risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is widespread, and is the second most common cancer among people aged 15-24. There is strong evidence to support that many skin cancer cases seen today could have been avoided if the individual had never used an indoor tanning device. The use of indoor tanning devices is very popular among college-aged females, thus persuading this demographic to reduce their indoor tanning behavior is essential in order to reduce the rates of skin cancer. The methodology of the research included conducting an extensive literature review, interviewing three community key informants as well as 25 students, investigating the indoor tanning business in the community, and finally constructing and sending out an indoor tanning survey to Illinois Wesleyan students. Results indicated that indoor tanning is somewhat prevalent at Illinois Wesleyan: about 18 percent of survey respondents reported using them anywhere from one to over forty times in the last year. Several strategies were suggested to reduce this rate, and are being further developed.