Understanding and improving skin cancer communication on social media for young people
Official title: Skin cancer on social media: Analyzing current communications, modeling diffusion potential, and developing innovative prevention-focused messages
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-10881117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how social media, like Facebook and Instagram, can help share important skin cancer prevention tips with teens and young adults, aiming to create messages that really connect with them to encourage safer habits like using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $542,724 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA279679-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 20 who are active users of social media.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not active on social media or who are outside the age range of 15 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be used to communicate important information about skin cancer prevention to adolescents and young adults. It aims to analyze the current landscape of skin cancer-related posts and misinformation on these platforms, and to develop effective prevention messages tailored to resonate with young audiences. By understanding how these messages can spread and influence behavior, the research seeks to reduce risky behaviors such as indoor tanning and inadequate sunscreen use among at-risk youth. The project will involve a multidisciplinary team to ensure that the messages are clear, consistent, and based on the latest scientific evidence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of skin cancer among young people by promoting healthier behaviors through effective social media communication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media can be an effective tool for health communication, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh-Buhi, Eric Richard — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Walsh-Buhi, Eric Richard
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.