UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Setting: A collaboration of the Maine Cancer Consortium, American Cancer Society, and Portland Public Health Division developed a model community skin cancer prevention program in Portland, Maine.

Methods: This project has three components: 1) a hospital-based initiative providing sun safety materials to parents of babies born during Skin Cancer Awareness Month; 2) a project with a minor league baseball team, in which sunscreen and educational materials were distributed, and public service announcements were made throughout a designated game; and 3) development and implementation of sun protection policies for campers and staff of the City of Portland Parks and Recreation's summer programs.

Results: Three hundred-eighty sets of parents received the No Sun for Babies materials, and evaluations received were very positive. Five hundred packets of sunscreen were distributed during the baseball game, and public service announcements were made during the game and between innings. The City of Portland Parks and Recreation staff is implementing a sun safety policy and will work with the unions representing city workers to adopt the sun protection policy. Each component of the project was successful, as measured by participant numbers, feedback, and outcomes. Although the project with the minor league baseball team cannot be replicated state-wide, the other components are replicable and sustainable in many Maine communities.