Developing and evaluating a cancer prevention teaching module for secondary education: Project SAFETY (Sun Awareness for Educating Today's Youth).

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC) is concerned with the meteoric rise in incidence of melanoma. As few as three episodes of blistering sunburns before age 20 increases two to three times an individual's risk for developing this malignancy. These statistics have compelled the UTMDACC to develop a comprehensive prevention program on skin cancer directed specifically to our youth. It is designed to be incorporated into the high school biology curriculum and is composed of three 50-minute teaching programs bound together with common themes, visuals, and treatment styles. The incorporation of prevention practices limiting damaging exposure to ultraviolet irradiation would significantly impact the future incidence of skin cancer in these individuals.