Sun Protection for Uninsured Dermatology Patients in Colorado

Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, but when found early, it’s highly treatable. Unfortunately, many people who are most at risk do not have easy access to dermatologists or affordable sun protection, making prevention and early detection more difficult. Our project focuses on patients seen at the DAWN Dermatology Clinic, a free, student-run clinic in Denver that serves uninsured Aurora residents. We are studying how our patients learn about skin cancer and melanoma prevention, including which social media or online sources they use and how much they trust that information. We are also testing how well artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, answer common patient questions about moles, sunscreen, and melanoma warning signs.

Our dermatology team reviews these artificial intelligence-generated answers using a standardized rubric developed by board-certified dermatologists to assess accuracy and safety. To help reduce UV exposure, we plan to give each participant SPF-protective shirts and sunscreen, items that many cannot afford but that make a real difference in melanoma prevention. These products are especially valuable for patients who work outdoors and spend long hours in the sun, which is common among our clinic population. By combining education, sun-protective resources, and evaluation of digital information quality, our project aims to close the melanoma prevention gap for underserved communities. We hope this effort will help patients recognize the early signs of melanoma, practice better sun safety, and feel empowered to protect their skin health.