Playing it Sun Safe: A Quality Improvement Initiative for Collegiate Athletes

Background: Decreasing the impact of skin cancer is a public health priority. Preventing ultraviolet exposure at an early age is critical. Adolescents and young adults who play outdoor sports are a high-risk population for skin cancer development. Objective: This quality improvement initiative aimed to improve skin cancer knowledge and sunscreen utilization in collegiate soccer athletes. Methods: Playing it Sun Safe was a multifaceted skin cancer prevention initiative implemented in collaboration with a university athletic department and campus health clinic. Evidence-based interventions were designed through the application of the Health Belief Model and were implemented utilizing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement quality improvement framework. Results: Participants’ Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale scores increased by 20% and self-reported sunscreen use increased by 46%. Participant feedback reflected the positive influences of peer leadership and the impact of verbal reminder prompting sunscreen use. Conclusion: Comprehensive, evidence-based interventions to increase knowledge of skin cancer and utilization of sun protection in this high-risk population have the potential to mitigate skin cancer risk and improve the long-term health of collegiate athletes.