Improving skin cancer prevention for young adults at risk
Official title: Optimization of a personalized skin cancer risk intervention for at-risk young adults
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11056097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping young adults, especially college students, learn how to protect their skin from cancer by giving them personalized tips and tools to stay safe in the sun and avoid risky tanning habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,247 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults, particularly college students, who engage in tanning behaviors and have inconsistent sun protection practices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for skin cancer or do not engage in tanning behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a personalized intervention to reduce skin cancer risk among young adults, particularly college students. It aims to address the common issue of inadequate sun protection and risky tanning behaviors by providing tailored information about individual skin cancer risks, including genetic factors and visible skin damage. The intervention will utilize a combination of educational tools and action planning to encourage healthier behaviors related to sun exposure. By employing a structured approach, the study seeks to identify the most effective components for preventing sunburn and promoting sun safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of skin cancer among young adults by promoting effective sun protection behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with personalized interventions in health behavior change, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Yelena Ping — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Wu, Yelena Ping
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Solar-powered sun protection for outdoor workers
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MOSAIC II: MAP Wound Matrix to speed graft readiness after non-melanoma skin cancer surgery
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-
PASS: A family-based approach to sun safety in schools
A parent-focused program delivered through schools aims to help families protect children from sun exposure and reduce skin cancer risk.
-
Precision skin cancer risk feedback in community clinics
A multisite study tests giving adults personalized genetic risk information to boost sun protection and skin checks in low-resource primary care settings.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.