RAYS tests the effectiveness of a skin cancer prevention program for youths living in rural counties in Utah and West Virginia.
Skin cancer is a significant public health challenge with more than 5 million Americans diagnosed annually. Individuals living in rural areas are at an even greater risk for skin cancer as they typically spend more time outdoors with greater exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Skin cancer can be prevented by limiting exposure to UVR and avoiding sunburns in childhood. RAYS (Rural Adult & Youth Sun) is a 5-year clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute to test the effectiveness of a skin cancer prevention program for youths playing sports in rural areas.
The program is delivered in recreational sports settings in Utah and West Virginia and encourages coaches, players, and parents to increase the use of sun safety strategies like sunscreen and protective clothing. The research team will learn if RAYS improves skin cancer prevention behaviors in childhood which may help to reduce skin cancer cases in rural areas over time. RAYS is a collaborative study between the University of Utah (Huntsman Cancer Institute), Georgetown University, and West Virginia University (WVU Cancer Institute).
RAYS Study
Who Can Participate?
You may be eligible to participate if:
- You live in a rural community in Utah or West Virginia.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You are a parent of a child ages 3-7 who plays baseball
- Or you are an adult coaching baseball for kids ages 3-7
What to Expect
Participation in the RAYS study will take place across approximately 15 months and may include the following:
- (Parents) Filling out three surveys about your and your child’s outdoor habits and sunburn history.
- (Coaches) Filling out three surveys about your outdoor habits and sun burn history.
- (Parents & Coaches) Learning about either skin cancer prevention OR injury prevention.
- (Parents & Coaches) Answering a few questions about the information you have received.
Compensation
There is no cost to you for participating in this study. We offer the following compensation for those who participate:
- Coaches will receive a $200 gift card for completing two virtual training sessions.
- Coaches and parents will receive up to $80 in gift cards for completing three questionnaires.
- If you are contacted for a follow-up phone interview, you will receive an additional $20 gift card.
- Parents will be entered into a raffle to receive a $250 gift card after completing a questionnaire.
For more information about the RAYS Study, click here.
Contact
For more information, please email Zack Jarrett at zjarrett@hsc.wvu.edu or call 304-646-7702.
