Sun Safety | Wellness Center | University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago Ultraviolet Protection Initiative

The University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM), in partnership with the Wellness Center, is committed to the well-being of our students by providing a safe and healthy learning and living environment both on and off campus. We are dedicated to maintaining an ultraviolet (UV)-free environment by ensuring no indoor tanning devices are present on our campus or in affiliated buildings. Furthering our commitment to health, UICOM actively promotes policies and education centered around skin cancer prevention.

This initiative is 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. UV radiation exposure from indoor tanning is entirely avoidable, which allows for interventions to help reduce skin-cancer-related illnesses 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.

Responding to the well-documented risks associated with indoor tanning, such as the strong association between using indoor tanning facilities and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the UICOM Dermatology Interest Group has instituted the UIC UV Protection Initiative. This initiative is focused on interventions to reduce UV exposure and prevent skin-cancer-related illnesses in our community. As the most common type of cancer in the United States, skin cancer, particularly melanoma, poses significant health risks, which our initiative aims to mitigate through comprehensive prevention strategies and educational efforts.

We extend our efforts beyond the university, engaging local schools and small businesses through targeted educational campaigns and collaborations. Additionally, we provide essential UV protective resources, such as sunscreen, to our students and community members, empowering them with the tools they need to protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

About Skin Cancer

Take action to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Skin Safety True or False (See supplemental section for more information)

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States… True!

All sunscreens work the same… False! Sunscreens can prevent sunburn in different ways

Sunscreen causes cancer… False! There is no medical evidence that sunscreen causes cancer. However, there is much evidence that UV rays from the sun and tanning beds do.

You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days... False! UV rays can penetrate clouds year-round, so sunscreen is necessary to protect your skin, even on overcast days.

Higher SPF numbers provide significantly better protection… False! While higher SPF numbers offer slightly more protection, the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is minimal.

Darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen… False! While darker skin tones have more natural protection against UV rays, they are still susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Myths from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery

General Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Light skin, or skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily
- But skin of all colors can get skin cancer!
Large number of moles
Personal or family history of skin cancer
History of sun exposure (even without a burn)
- Skin damage is cumulative!
History of sunburns, especially in early life
History of indoor tanning
- The average tanning bed produces 2 to 10 times more UVA radiation than the sun.
Using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 75%

Skin Cancer in People of Color

People of color refers to diverse skin colors and includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent. Even if you have a darker complexion, tan easily, or rarely burn, you are still at risk for skin cancer.

Delayed Diagnosis: Skin cancer in people of color is often diagnosed at more advanced stages, leading to worse outcomes.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: This rare form of melanoma is more common in people of color and appears on the palms, soles, and under nails.

Sun Protection Still Necessary: Despite more melanin providing some protection, people of color should still use sunscreen and practice sun safety to avoid skin damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Take a moment to check your skin for any unusual spots or moles. Are you aware of the warning signs for melanoma? Though rare, melanoma is highly dangerous due to its risk of spreading.

Understanding the ABCDEs of melanoma can help you recognize this and other skin cancers early.

A is for Asymmetry — Do the halves line up if you draw a line through the middle of the mole or spot on your skin?

B is for Border — Are the borders of the mole or spot irregular, scalloped, or hard to define?

C is for Color — Is the color of the mole or spot inconsistent, with shades of tan, brown, red, black, dark brown, or blue?

D is for Diameter — How large is the mole? Melanomas are typically larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser).

E is for Evolving — Has the mole or spot changed over time, such as by becoming larger or changing color? Keep an eye out for a mole or skin growth that looks different from others on your body or changes in appearance over time.

Why does this matter for UIC?

“At the University of Illinois Chicago, we are committed to protecting our community’s health, and skin cancer prevention is vital—even here in Chicago. While our climate may seem less sunny, UV rays are present year-round, with reflective surfaces like snow increasing UV exposure during winter. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among young adults, making early prevention essential. Many students spend time in our campus’s outdoor spaces. Hence, raising awareness about skin health and providing resources aligns with the mission of the Dermatology Interest Group and Wellness Center to support student wellness and health.”

-University of Illinois College of Medicine Dermatology Interest Group

Supplemental Skin Safety Facts and Choosing a Sunscreen

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are common and treatable types of skin cancer, while melanoma is more dangerous. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or tanning devices, can cause long-lasting and harmful damage to the skin.
Sunscreens come in two main types: chemical and mineral (physical). Some sunscreens are also classified by their spectrum (broad-spectrum for UVA and UVB protection), SPF level, water resistance, and additional skin benefits like moisturizing or anti-aging properties. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide reflect them. When selecting a sunscreen, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) and SPF 30+ are recommended for adequate protection.
Some sunscreens were previously recalled due to benzene contamination, raising concerns about chemical absorption and potential liver or kidney effects. However, findings are inconclusive, and the FDA and dermatologists consider sunscreen safe when used as directed. For added reassurance, choose mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which aren’t absorbed by the skin.
To reduce skin cancer risk, seek shade or sun protection like umbrellas and UV shelters. At the beach or park, a pop-up UV shelter provides added security. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves/pants made of UV-protective fabric. Choose lightweight, breathable materials in hot weather, and avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest. The UV index can be found in most weather apps, such as https://www.weather.gov/ilx/uv-index
The key is generously applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating. Most people do not put on enough sunscreen–aim for one ounce, about a palmful.
Sunscreen is essential for everyone, regardless of skin tone. Some may opt for a tinted sunscreen because it blends better, provides cosmetic benefits, and protects against blue light.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more? Check out the resources below: