Health Initiatives
The Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences Health Initiatives
Health promotion, population health, and access to care innovations are the foundation for healthy communities and healthy lives. Faculty and students in the Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences are taking the initiative to respond to community and individual health concerns and risks, to support the well-being of our communities and to promote health equity though ongoing healthcare projects , services, and activities such as a few highlighted below.
Skin Cancer Education and Research
Molloy nursing students are eligible to receive a skin cancer educator badge after completing nursing courses- NUR 2990 or 2900, have the ability to recognize skin cancer lesions, distinguish between benign and cancerous lesions and refer patients to their health care providers for further evaluation and treatment. Earners can educate clients about skin cancer and sun protective behaviors to prevent skin cancer.
Skills learned:
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Skin Smart Campus
Molloy University has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Ensuring the well-being of our students, we are providing a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus, pledging to keep indoor tanning devices off our campus and our affiliated buildings. We also promote skin cancer prevention policies and education.
The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus Initiative is sponsored by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention in response to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer which concluded that there is a strong association between increased risk of skin cancer and indoor tanning use. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from indoor tanning is completely avoidable which allows for interventions to help reduce skin-cancer related illness and deaths. Numerous studies have found that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with melanoma as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults. According to The International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group, the use of indoor tanning facilities before the age of 35 increases the risk for melanoma by 75 percent. -
Skin Cancer Protection
Your skin is your largest organ. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is increasing in frequency in this country and worldwide. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the deadliest of the skin cancers as it can metastasize (spread to vital organs) quickly. Most skin cancers occur from unprotected UV exposure. Many people do not use sun protective behavior.
Skin cancer risk
Anyone can get skin cancer. People with blond hair and light eyes are at increased risk for skin cancer. However, people of color have a higher rate of skin cancer mortality due to a delay in diagnosis. Acral lentiginous melanoma is more common in people of color. These lesions occur more often in the palms of hands, soles of feet and nails. Bob Marley died at age 36 from acral lentiginous skin cancer.
How to protect your skin
- Avoid sun between 10 am- 4pm when the sun is the strongest.
- Seek shade
- Use protective clothing and wide-brim hats and sunglasses.
- Use sunscreen SPF of 30 and re-apply every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming.
- Never use a tanning bed.
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Sunscreen Dispensers at Molloy
Molloy University has 6 sunscreen dispensers on campus. Three dispensers were obtained through a Department of Health grant and 3 dispensers were donated by the Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation.
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Skin Cancer Research and Resources
Molloy University faculty research on skin cancer
https://works.bepress.com/victoria-siegel/
Resources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer.html