Misconceptions About Skin Cancer: Why You Need to Care About Sunburns

Blind to the Burn: Misconceptions and Gaps in Skin Cancer Risk Awareness in the U.S.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. The numbers are staggering: over 5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and tens of thousands of melanomas are diagnosed annually. Beyond the physical and emotional toll on patients, treating skin cancer comes at a significant financial cost, with the U.S. spending around $8.9 billion every year on treatment and care for these conditions. Despite its widespread prevalence, many Americans remain largely unaware of their risk, especially when it comes to the impact of sunburns and the effectiveness of prevention methods.

Understanding the true risk factors and implementing preventative measures can help reduce skin cancer diagnoses and improve early detection. The issue lies not only in the lack of knowledge but also in cultural misconceptions, lifestyle choices, and barriers to sun protection. For example, sun exposure, tanning, and even tanning bed use, combined with a genetic predisposition, significantly raise one’s likelihood of developing skin cancer. Yet, awareness around this topic remains limited, leading to missed opportunities for prevention.

New Study Sheds Light on Sunburns and Skin Cancer Risk

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine delves into the sociological factors that affect sunburn rates and skin cancer risk among U.S. adults. This study, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, represents one of the first major efforts to correlate sunburn incidents with various sociodemographic factors like age, gender, education level, income, and race/ethnicity.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, individuals who experience five or more blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 are at a significantly increased risk—up to 80% greater—of developing melanoma, and a 68% higher chance of developing non-melanoma skin cancers. With the added concern of rising sunburn rates, the findings of this study are crucial in understanding how sunburn, a modifiable risk factor, plays into the broader issue of skin cancer prevention.

The researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute's 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), focusing on factors such as how confident people were in their ability to care for their health, how worried they were about getting cancer, and their sunburn experiences over the past year. The team also studied a range of sociodemographic factors, including age, gender, race, marital status, education, income, and occupational status—each of which could be closely linked to increased or decreased sunburn incidence.

Sociodemographic Factors and Their Link to Sunburn Risk

The results revealed interesting patterns regarding the frequency of sunburns among different groups. While 67.6% of participants reported no sunburns in the past year, 30.3% of respondents experienced between one and five sunburns, and a smaller group (6.4%) admitted to drinking alcohol while sunburned—a known risk factor for sunburn and further skin damage.

Interestingly, several sociodemographic trends emerged in relation to sunburn incidence. For instance, participants over 40 and women reported lower rates of sunburn compared to younger adults. People who were disabled, unemployed, or held multiple jobs experienced fewer sunburns. On the other hand, those who were married or partnered had a higher risk of sunburn, while divorced or single individuals reported fewer incidents. Surprisingly, higher income was linked to more frequent sunburns, with the highest income group being more than four times more likely to report sunburns than their lower-income counterparts.

These findings highlight how race, ethnicity, income, and education can significantly influence sunburn rates and skin cancer risk. For example, Hispanics and Black Americans were found to report lower sunburn rates, but perceptions of UV exposure as beneficial—especially among Hispanics—remain a significant contributing factor to increased risk. Moreover, sun protection behaviors, including sunscreen use, were less frequent among Black and Hispanic Americans, although women with higher education levels and income in these groups were more likely to use sunscreen regularly.

Dr. Lea Sacca, senior author of the study, noted, "Social determinants such as race/ethnicity, sex, income, and employment status are closely linked to sunburn and skin cancer risk. We must consider these factors in public health strategies to reduce skin cancer rates."

Understanding the Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is categorized into three main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and least aggressive form, BCC typically appears as a shiny bump or pinkish patch, often found on sun-exposed areas of the body.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This form appears as red, scaly patches or open sores. While not as common as BCC, SCC can be more aggressive and spread to other areas if not treated early.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma originates in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). It can develop as a new mole or changes to an existing mole and has the potential to spread quickly to other organs, making early detection crucial.

Raising Awareness to Prevent Skin Cancer

The study emphasizes the importance of understanding skin cancer risk and engaging in preventive behaviors. It is essential to raise awareness about the susceptibility of different groups and encourage practices like sunscreen application, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.

Dr. Madison Etzel, first author and second-year medical student at Florida Atlantic University, underscored the need for better public health initiatives to target vulnerable groups: "Our study shows that all sociodemographic factors were significantly linked to the number of reported sunburns. Future research should explore additional social determinants of health to address this growing issue."

Practical Sun Safety Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends practicing the following sun safety measures:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection.
• Avoid tanning beds, as they significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Conduct regular skin checks for unusual moles or changes and visit a dermatologist for professional screenings.

Conclusion

Skin cancer remains a major health issue in the U.S., but through education, awareness, and targeted preventive measures, the burden of this disease can be reduced. As the study shows, sociodemographic factors influence how individuals approach sun safety, and addressing these disparities is key to effective public health strategies. Understanding the link between sunburns and skin cancer risk will play a critical role in preventing future cases and improving outcomes for patients across the nation.

Learn more: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15598276251319292