Mobile sun-safety and activity support for melanoma survivors
SESAME: Sun Exposure and Activities after Skin CAncer: Optimization of Mhealth IntErventions
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 ID | NIH-11192754 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have survived melanoma, own a smartphone, and are willing to use a wearable activity monitor are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alshurafa, Nabil — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Alshurafa, Nabil
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 below.