Mobile sun-safety and activity support for melanoma survivors
Official title: SESAME: Sun Exposure and Activities after Skin CAncer: Optimization of Mhealth IntErventions
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11192754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses smartphone tools to help melanoma survivors avoid harmful sun exposure while keeping up healthy physical activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $319,854 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA283480-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have survived melanoma, own a smartphone, and are willing to use a wearable activity monitor are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of melanoma, those unwilling to use smartphone apps or wearables, or those unable to receive real-time messages are unlikely to benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You would use smartphone-based tools and wearable activity sensors that deliver real-time sun-protection advice. The team will refine different mobile components (like alerts, personalized tips, and activity tracking) using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to find which elements reduce unprotected sun exposure without lowering outdoor exercise. The work focuses on adults who survived melanoma and combines sensor data (accelerometers) with user input to tailor messages. This R34 phase prepares the best mobile package for a larger clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tools could reduce sunburns and lower the risk of new skin cancers while helping survivors maintain outdoor physical activity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mobile health approaches for sun protection have been acceptable to melanoma survivors but have shown mixed effects, so this work is building on promising but inconsistent results.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alshurafa, Nabil — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Alshurafa, Nabil
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Solar-powered sun protection for outdoor workers
A short project to help outdoor workers prevent skin cancer by using a tailored, story-based video and workplace actions to increase sun protection.
-
Skin cancer immunotherapy: better vaccines and biomarkers to help melanoma patients
A Yale-led program tests new drug combinations and biomarker tests to help people with advanced melanoma live longer and better, especially by guiding which treatment works best for them.
-
CivaDerm: a new four-day skin cancer radiation bandage
A new four‑day radiation bandage for non-melanoma skin cancer aims to treat facial and other areas without multiple clinic visits or big scars.
-
MOSAIC II: MAP Wound Matrix to speed graft readiness after non-melanoma skin cancer surgery
A randomized trial tests a moldable wound scaffold (MAP Wound Matrix) to speed healing and time to graft-ready skin after head and neck cancer surgeries in adults.
-
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.