Skin Cancer
What is it?
The skin cancer risk station has three components: 1) a computerized survey to determine skin type and sun safety behaviors; 2) a handheld digital microscope for self-examination of skin spots and moles according to the ABCDE rules (described below); and 3) UV Radical Ray Rampage, an action platform video game about tanning zombies developed in collaboration with UC Davis that allows participants to learn about skin cancer risk factors and how to reduce risk using an immersive arcade-like experience. This game won silver medal at the 2012 International Serious Play Awards.
This station is available for the following audience and takes approximately:
- Adults (English, Spanish) – Takes 3-8 minutes; UV Radical Ray Rampage game not available in Spanish.
- Kids (English, Spanish) – Takes 3-8 minutes; UV Radical Ray Rampage game not available in Spanish.
How is it measured?
Skin Type is determined using the Fitzpatrick Score Calculator. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a skin classification system familiar to dermatologists that measures two components (genetic disposition and reaction to sun exposure). Types range from the very fair (Type I) to the very dark (Type VI).
Sun Safety Score is determined using an adapted version of the 2010 National Health Information Survey. Six questions include:
- When you go outside on a warm sunny day for MORE than one hour, how often do you stay in the shade?
- When you go outside on a warm sunny day for MORE than one hour, which of the following do you do regularly (always/often)? (select all that apply).
- What is the SPF number of the sunscreen you use MOST often?
- DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, how many times have you had a sunburn? (By “sunburn” we mean even a small part of your skin turns red or hurts for 12 hours or more. Also include burns from sunlamps and other indoor tanning devices. )
- DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, have you used any of the following indoor tanning devices—a sunlamp, sunbed or tanning booth EVEN ONE TIME? Do NOT include times you have gotten a spray-on tan.
- Have you EVER had all of your skin from head to toe checked for cancer either by a dermatologist or some other kind of doctor?
UV Radical Ray Rampage Video Game – This action platform video game provides education about sun protection and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Players can complete a series of game levels. Data will be collected related to what individuals pick up and what they know about sun safety and protective factors. Play the game here!
Mole Microscope and the ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer – A handheld digital lighted microscope (Proscope) is used to magnify skin areas (up to 50x). No data are collected from this station, though participants can refer to a station sign with instructions and guidelines based on information on the National Cancer Institute’s mole factsheet.
How we determined the categories?
Skin Type categories are based on the Fitzpatrick Score Calculator, which measures two components (genetic disposition and reaction to sun exposure). Types range from the very fair (Type I) to the very dark (Type VI).
Sun Safety Score is calculated by summing protective behavior responses to six questions. Responses to these questions that were considered protective of sun exposure were assigned points by our program staff. Tabulated scores were converted to percentages (e.g. 18/20= 90%), with higher scores indicating more protective behaviors.
18-20 (90%-100%) Excellent
15-17 (75%-85%) Good
10-14 (50%-70%) Fair
Below 10 (<50%) Watch Out!
Where to get more information…
A sun burn can increase the number of moles on your body. While moles are common, they can become cancerous. Keep an eye on your moles with the “ABCDE” rule and talk with a healthcare provider if you notice anything abnormal. For more information
National Cancer Institute’s website and their mole fact sheet
OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute
Research Bibliography
2010 National Health Information Survey
Funding
This station was made possible thanks to generous support from:
- National Institutes of Health (Science Education Partnership Award to Marco Molinaro at the University of California, Davis)
- Walsh Construction
