ALL NEWS

UV photos get more people to put on sunscreen, say BYU and U of U researchers

Jun 7, 2019, 1:21 PM

byu skin cancer uv sunscreen...

Special UV photographs are capable of revealing existing skin damage caused by UV light exposure which is normally invisible to the naked eye. BYU Photo

PROVO — Utah sees the highest number of new cases of melanoma in the US every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Researchers from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah teamed up to figure out how to motivate people to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing, both effective ways of preventing that type of skin cancer.

BYU Biometrics Lab Director Kevin John says they talked to people about the risks of cancer and the mortality rates, but he thinks the best way to get people to lather on sunscreen was showing them the sun damage their skin already has.

That meant taking hundreds of UV photos.

Researchers used a modified Visia camera, one that’s usually used by cosmetics companies to study complexion, to photograph the sun damage underneath people’s skin.

“Our measure did show a marked increase for individuals who saw UV photos. Just general facts about melanoma and things like that weren’t as effective,” John says.

John says people really reacted to the visual element in front of them.

“We’re hoping that ultimately this research will influence the types of information that dermatologists can disseminate to patients and the types of messages that can be used in advertising,” John says.

The CDC reports cancer (of all types) is the second leading cause of death in the United States, second only to heart disease.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on it’s way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

26 minutes ago

Rep. Phil Lyman, R-Blanding, speaks during the Utah Eagle Forum's annual conference at Salt Lake Co...

Emma Keddington

Rep. Phil Lyman defends post correlating DEI policies with Baltimore bridge collapse

Rep. Phil Lyman is defending a post made Tuesday, that said Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies had something to do with the Baltimore bridge collapse. 

52 minutes ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

2 hours ago

Utah Jazz Collin Sexton...

Ben Anderson

Jazz 3-18 Since Trade Deadline After Loss To Spurs

At 3-18 since the trade deadline, the Jazz now sit behind the 4-19 Portland Trail Blazers as the league’s worst team since February 8.

2 hours ago

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle Spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

3 hours ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

UV photos get more people to put on sunscreen, say BYU and U of U researchers