Public Health marketing campaign for melanoma directed towards audience that is at the highest risk of disease (Melanoma)

1. Angela Silipena
Health Education
Dr. Fopeano
4/23/12
Health Advocacy Project
My projecttoconclude thissemesterisahealthadvocacyposterthatI createdas a visual toskincancer
risks.My campaignis titled“Thisglamouriscancer”in efforttoemphasize the impactof perceptionsof
beautyonyoungadult’shealth.Mytarget populationforthisprojectisforyoungadults,ages18 to 25.
My desiredoutcome istoencourage appreciationamongyoungadultsof theirnatural appearance,and
furthermore the pressuresof beautyincludingadeadlytan.The goal isto instill adecreaseddesire fora
darkerskintone and a glamorousglowviatanningwithoutprotection.Thiseffortisbeingmade to
increase the perceivedriskof carcinogenicexposuretounprotectedsunlightandtanningbeds.
I have learnedthatthe mediaisa veryharmful influence topeople’sperceptionof beauty,especially
whenitcomesto everyyoungwomanseekingahealthyglow bysubjectingthemselvestoskincancer.
Furthermore,thata celebrityadvocate doesnotexistforarole model of youngwomentoknow the
risksand consequencesof tanning.Ibelieve thatif sucha spokespersonwouldexist,ourculture and
viewonwhatbeautiful actuallyismightstarttochange.I alsofounda campaignfrom The SkinCancer
Foundationcalled“Gowithyourownglow”.I appreciate this campaign;however,Idowishthatit was
more mainstreamandfamiliartothose whoexpose themselvesonafrequentbasis.
Sources:
http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/tanningBeds.htm
http://www.melanoma.org/learn-more/melanoma-101/melanoma-risk-factors
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/tanning/appearance-trumps-health