Sunburn landscape: Understanding skin cancer prevention behaviors

Sunburns can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. While easily preventable, sunburns continue to be prevalent.

In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, investigators examined 2024 National Health Interview Survey data on sunburns within the previous year.

The investigators found that about 35% and 7.5% stated that they experienced a sunburn and four or more sunburns during the survey year, respectively. Sunburns most often occurred during activities centered around water followed by physical activity, alcohol consumption, intentional tanning and occupational exposure. The risk of sunburn was also more prevalent among younger adults, those who identified as white, those who reported being sun sensitive and individuals with higher levels of household income.

Because a majority of the respondents noted experiencing sunburns even after applying sunscreen, the investigators emphasized the need for more effective evidence-based interventions to communicate adequate sunscreen use and sun-protective measures to the general public. They stressed that individuals spending time outdoors in the warmer months should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, wear protective clothing, continue to reapply sunscreen throughout time spent outdoors — including after swimming or sweating — and apply sunscreen prior to other substances such as insect repellent.

Read more: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

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