Sunburn/skin cancer

Age groups most at risk of sunburn and skin cancer

Younger adults are more likely to experience sunburn and skin cancer than older adults. This is because younger adults have less melanin in their skin, which makes them more susceptible to UV damage.

Ethnic groups most at risk of sunburn and skin cancer

Non-Hispanic whites are more likely to experience sunburn and skin cancer than other ethnic groups. This is because non-Hispanic whites have less melanin in their skin than other ethnic groups.

Other factors that increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer

• Fair skin
• Family history of skin cancer
• Outdoor occupation
• Frequent exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds

Skin cancer screening

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that adults over the age of 20 get a skin cancer screening every year. People with a high risk of skin cancer, such as people with a family history of skin cancer or people who have had multiple sunburns, may need to be screened more often.

Clinical site skin cancer screening

Whether or not a clinical site routinely screens patients for skin cancer depends on the type of clinical site. For example, dermatology clinics and primary care clinics typically screen patients for skin cancer. However, other types of clinical sites, such as dental clinics and orthopedic clinics, may not routinely screen patients for skin cancer.

If you are concerned about your risk of sunburn or skin cancer, you should talk to your doctor. They can assess your risk and recommend appropriate screening and prevention measures.

Here are two peer-reviewed articles about sunburn and skin cancer:

• Skin Cancer Risk, Sunburn/Solar Damage, and Photoprotection Behaviors Among US Outdoor Sports Participants: A Cross-Sectional Survey This study found that outdoor sports participants are at an increased risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and solar damage. The study also found that younger adults, males, and non-Hispanic whites are more likely to engage in risky sun behaviors and to have sunburn.

• Sunburn History and Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study This study found that a history of sunburn is associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The study also found that the risk of BCC and SCC increases with the number of sunburns experienced.