“Uncovering the Sunburn Statistics: A Deep Dive into Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention Behaviors in the U.S.”
Skin cancer is a prevalent and costly health issue in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed annually. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases one’s melanoma risk by 80% and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68%. To further explore the associations between sunburns, sociodemographic characteristics, and protective skin behaviors, researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine conducted a study using data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6).
The study, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, surveyed 6,252 participants on their confidence in health care, perceived cancer risk, worry about cancer diagnosis, and sunburn experiences over the past year. The findings revealed that most respondents felt confident in their ability to take care of their health, with moderate concerns about skin cancer risk. Additionally, 67.6% reported no sunburns in the past year, while 30.3% had 1-5 sunburns. Activities like drinking alcohol, working outside, or swimming were common among those who reported sunburns.
Statistically significant associations were found between the number of sunburns and sociodemographic factors. Adults over 40 and women had lower sunburn risks, while higher income groups had significantly higher risks of sunburns. Factors such as race/ethnicity, sex, income, and employment status were closely linked to sunburn and skin cancer risk. Hispanics and Black Americans generally reported lower rates of sunburn, but Hispanics often perceived greater benefits of UV exposure, increasing their risk.
Skin cancer includes three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least aggressive, squamous cell carcinoma appears as red, scaly patches, and melanoma is the most dangerous form. Early detection through regular self-exams and professional screenings is crucial for treatment.
Practicing sun safety, such as applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing, can help prevent skin cancer. Awareness of skin cancer susceptibility and adopting preventive behaviors is essential, especially among vulnerable groups. Further research is needed to explore how social determinants of health influence sunburn incidence and prevention behaviors to address the widespread harms of skin cancer in U.S. adults.