Cancer Trends Progress Report

Sunburn, also known as erythema, is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which results in an acute cutaneous inflammatory response. Sunburn results from over exposure to UVR and can occur from use of indoor tanning beds or over exposure to outdoor sunlight. Although sunbathing and tanning are strongly associated with sunburn, recent data indicate that most sunburns occur in contexts unrelated to intentional tanning, such as engaging in physical activity and when spending time near the water. Sunburn symptoms include redness, warmth, tenderness, or edema, and may cause pain or blistering. Annually, over 33,000 sunburns are reported that require emergency room visits and may occur among people of all racial/ethnic groups. Previous sun burning, particularly experienced at younger ages, is a strong predictor of future skin cancer and especially melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. People with sun sensitive skin are more likely to incur sunburn and are at greater risk for skin cancer, especially melanoma, than those with relatively less sun sensitivity. Sun sensitivity reflects a person’s characteristic skin response (e.g., a burn, a burn and then tan, etc.) after prolonged sun exposure or after a long period or season of being relatively unexposed. Though related to sun sensitivity, skin color and ethnicity are not adequate proxies for sun sensitivity because they are not accurate biological descriptors of at-risk populations.