AAD Survey: One-Third of Americans Flunk Basic Quiz on Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure

In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May and Melanoma Monday on May 3, the AAD is encouraging Americans to #PracticeSafeSun to protect themselves and their families from skin cancer.

One-third of Americans lack a basic understanding of skin cancer and sun protection, according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Shockingly, more than half (53%) of adults are unaware that shade can protect them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

Additional survey findings include:

• 47 percent either incorrectly believe or are unsure that having a base tan will prevent sunburns.
• 35 percent either incorrectly believe or are unsure that as long as you don’t burn, tanning is safe.
• 31 percent are unaware that tanning causes skin cancer.

“These findings surprised us and demonstrate that misperceptions about skin cancer and sun exposure are still prevalent,” says board-certified dermatologist Kenneth J. Tomecki, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD, in a news release. “As dermatologists who see firsthand the impact that skin cancer, including melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — has on our patients and their families, it’s concerning to see that so many individuals still do not understand how to protect themselves from ultraviolet exposure.”

In the survey, Gen Z (those born after 1996) appeared to have the biggest misunderstanding of the dangers of sun exposure and skin cancer, followed closely by Millennials (those born between 1981-1996).

“These are striking results when it comes to younger generations’ knowledge about basic sun exposure,” says Dr. Tomecki. “Gen Z and Millennials have a lifetime of potential damaging sun exposure ahead of them, so now is the time to close the knowledge gap and ensure they are aware of how easy it is to practice sun-safe behavior.”

Gen Z survey findings:

• 42 percent are unaware that tanning causes skin cancer
• 41 percent are unaware that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are reflected by snow, water, and sand
• 33 percent are unaware that they can get sunburned on a cloudy day

Millennial survey findings:

• 42 percent are unaware that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate clothing
• 37 percent are unaware that tanning causes skin cancer
• 23 percent are unaware that sunburn increases the risk of getting skin cancer