The lure of the summer sun convinces many people to head outside and soak it up. However, increasing skin cancer rates remind us that too much sun exposure could be dangerous.
Axios’ Tina Reed reported that new cases of skin cancer rose 2% to 3% annually in the U.S. from 2015 through 2019. Overall, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the U.S.
Skin cancer rates are also increasing in other places. For example, a study recently published in the Pathology journal revealed a “hidden Australian skin cancer epidemic,” with data showing that deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have almost doubled in Australia in recent years.
A 2022 study published in the Frontiers Oncology journal also noted that “an increase in skin cancer cases over the last 4 to 5 decades has raised various public health concerns among the scientific community and led international health organizations to develop strong sun protection measures to curb this sharp increase.”
That study mentioned changes to the ozone layer starting in the latter part of the 20th century have resulted in more UV-B radiations reaching the Earth’s surface. Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that can damage skin. Sun exposure is one of the main ways that humans come in contact with UV-B and UV-A rays, another type of ultraviolet radiation.
“In the United States, the incidence of melanomas of the skin has increased from 20.0 per 100,000 in 2008 to 22.7 per 100,000 in 2017,” according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Melanoma is a rather rare type of skin cancer (accounting for just 1%) of cases, but it is particularly dangerous because it is more likely to spread to other areas of the body, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color, grow out of control in those who have this condition.
“Research suggests that globally and especially among the fair-skinned populations, melanoma rates are increasing by 4% to 5% annually,” said the Frontiers Oncology study. “Further, increased temperatures/heat also has an impact on carcinogenesis.”
While thinking of sun exposure might brig to mind images of warm, tropical beaches, humans can be exposed to UV rays even when it is cold and cloudy outside. Here is a list of the U.S. states with the highest melanoma rates, based on CDC data from 2016 to 2020:
1. Utah – 40.8 per 100,000
2. Vermont – 36.6 per 100,000
3. Minnesota – 36 per 100,000
4. New Hampshire 30.5 per 100,000
5. Iowa – 30.1 per 100,000
6. Idaho – 30 per 100,000
7. Arizona – 28.9 per 100,000
8. Nebraska – 28.3 per 100,000
9. Montana – 28.2 per 100,000
10. Kentucky – 27.7 per 100,000
This data also indicated that rates are increasing the most in Arizona, Minnesota and Arkansas.
Sun exposure may be one of the most common causes of skin cancer, including melanoma, but increased screenings may also be part of the reason for the increase in diagnoses.
“There is definitely more screening because of more awareness, and so we’re finding more,” Jennifer Choi, a melanoma expert at Northwestern, told Axios. Still, she advised caution while in the sun and said that even getting a sunburn as a baby could lead to a skin cancer diagnosis down the line.
At the same time, there is also danger associated with getting no exposure to the sun.
“UV rays from the sun can stimulate production of vitamin D in the skin. Having little or no sun exposure may put a person at risk for low levels of vitamin D, but too much UV exposure from the sun or artificial sources can increase risk of skin cancers and eye disease,” said the CDC. Supplements and foods with added vitamin D can help those with low levels of vitamin D.
Those who want to stay protected while enjoying summer sun should remember to: find shade, wear clothing that covers up skin when possible, wear hats, put on sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and wear sunglasses to protect their eyes.