Personalized skin cancer prevention for at-risk young adults
Official title: Optimization of a personalized skin cancer risk intervention for at-risk young adults
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11321083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program uses personalized UV photos, optional genetic risk information, and action planning to help young adults cut back on tanning and protect their skin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,623 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266302-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are college-aged or young adults (about 18+) who intentionally tan or who do not regularly use sun protection.
✕Less likely to help
People outside the young-adult age range, those currently undergoing treatment for skin cancer, or individuals who already consistently protect their skin are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would receive a UV photo that reveals hidden sun damage, the option for a brief genetic test (MC1R) that indicates increased skin cancer risk, and help making a practical plan to reduce tanning and increase sun protection. The research team will assign college-age participants to different combinations of these components to see which mix works best using a Multiphase Optimization Strategy. They will follow participants over time and measure sunburns, tanning behaviors, and use of sunscreen or protective clothing. The aim is to find the most effective personalized approach to change habits that raise skin cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce sunburns and lower future skin cancer risk by helping young adults stop risky tanning and use better sun protection.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier smaller studies using personalized photos and planning saw reduced tanning and increased sun protection, but this project is testing which specific elements or combinations work best.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Yelena Ping — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Wu, Yelena Ping
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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.