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An integral part of many nursing education programs includes presenting topics at community health events, such as a college-sponsored health fair. These opportunities are important for nurses and other allied health students to build important person-to-person communication skills. In addition, these events raise awareness of many health concerns commonly misunderstood by the public.
For nurses looking for interesting ideas to present at their spring health fair, the American Cancer Foundation offers tremendously helpful information related to the number one most prevalent cancer in the U.S. – skin cancer.
Fast Facts about Skin Cancer:
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
- Over two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually.
- Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidences of cancers of the prostate, breast, colon and lung.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives.
- People who use indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never used indoor tanning devices.
- The incidence of melanoma increased by 800 percent among young women and 400 percent among young men from 1970 to 2009.
- One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 57 minutes).
- An estimated 9,480 people will die of melanoma in 2013.
- Melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
- Of the seven most common cancers in the US, melanoma is the only one whose incidence is currently increasing.
Skin Cancer a Worthwhile Presentation Topic for Spring Health Fair
Through promoting awareness programs such as the Skin Cancer Foundation’s “Sun Smart” sun safety program, allied health students of all specialties can help educate community members about the importance of protecting skin from UV radiation. In addition to a scripted and ready-to-deliver education program, the Skin Cancer Foundation also offers images and education about the five early warning signs of skin cancer, which is another great health fair resource.
For nurses and other allied health students looking for a salient topic for upcoming spring health fairs, skin cancer is one topic that can generate life-long learning opportunities for people of all ages. For instance, parents should know that having just one bad sunburn can increase their child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. In addition, some of the most commonly burned areas of the body are the top of the ears, the nose and the back of the neck. Children and young adults who play sports may easily forget to cover these areas, so creating educational pamphlets to distribute to parents and kids is a great service to support the long-term health of community children.
As adults age, their skin becomes more susceptible to sunburn, therefore sharing information about skin care with older adults and their caregivers is another way to support community health initiatives across the lifespan.
Remember to Share the Good News
Many people are scared away by discussions of cancer, but there are actually many positive facts to share with community members when discussing skin cancer. While skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers, prevention greatly reduces the risk. With early detection, treatment is generally successful and the cancer does not return. The most lethal type of skin cancer only occurs in 5% of all skin cancer cases, so the vast majority of skin cancers are preventable and/or treatable. In addition, education plays a vital role in the prevention of any disease.
When allied health students share their knowledge with the community members, those people then can spread the news to other people in their families and community. Spring health fairs are a great experience for nurses and other allied health students. They offer opportunities to build professional soft skills while at the same time serving as an important educational resource for fellow community members.
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