Sesame: Improving sun protection for melanoma survivors with real-time mobile support
Official title: SESAME: Sun Exposure and Activities after Skin CAncer: Optimization of Mhealth IntErventions
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11384995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at adults with a history of melanoma, this project tests a smartphone-based program to help people protect their skin from sun exposure while staying active.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $217,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA283480-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 or older who are melanoma survivors and engage in outdoor activities.
✕Less likely to help
People without melanoma history or those not using mobile health tools may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on melanoma survivors and uses mobile health tools to deliver real-time sun protection guidance without reducing outdoor activity. It builds on a previous intervention and uses the MOST framework to refine which components work best. The goal is to help people maintain sun safety while continuing healthy MVPA outdoors, using accelerometer data and user feedback to tailor the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better sun protection and sustained outdoor activity for melanoma survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Past sun-protection programs have had mixed results; this work aims to optimize real-time, personalized interventions.
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.