Yelena Wu, PhD, Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) researcher and assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the , has been awarded a multi-year totaling nearly $800,000. This award, given by the American Cancer Society, will expand Dr. Wu’s work to rigorously test new behavioral interventions to promote implementation of skin cancer prevention behaviors among Utah children and their parents.
"I would like to thank the American Cancer Society and all of their supporters," Dr. Wu says. "My team and I are immensely grateful for the opportunity to conduct this research, which we hope will benefit many melanoma survivors and their families across the state of Utah and contribute to the prevention of melanoma in children who do not yet regularly receive interventions like this."
Dr. Wu’s research focuses on fostering optimal health outcomes among children, adolescents, young adults, and families affected by cancer. The aims to make it easier for children and families at higher risk for melanoma to take action and protect themselves from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and the development of skin cancer. UVR exposure is the most common modifiable risk factor for skin cancer. Utah’s rate of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the highest in the United States.
Families participating in the study will be asked to fill out questionnaires and take part in videoconferencing sessions conducted by a health educator. Participants will learn strategies that could make it easier to carry out skin protection habits to prevent melanoma. Recruitment is ongoing and will continue for the next few years.
The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest private not-for-profit source of funds for scientists studying cancer. The Research Scholar Grant supports investigator-initiated projects across the cancer research continuum. Currently, the American Cancer Society funds eight grant awards in the state of Utah, totaling over $4.7 million.