Rob Dillard

DocwireNews

A new national survey found that more than 30% of Americans believe that having a tan makes people look better and healthier, a dangerous beauty standard to aim for given the risks of skin cancer.
“There is no such thing as a healthy tan, as it’s really just a visual manifestation of damage to the skin,” said <a href="https://www.orlandohealth.com/physician-finder/rajesh-m-nair-md#/overview">Rajesh Nair, MD</a>, an oncology surgeon at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, via a press release. “But we’re fighting against a perceived positive image and health benefits of something that actually has a totally opposite reality, which is that suntanned skin represents an increased risk of a deadly disease.”
The survey, conducted by Ipsos, also found that young adults are likely to believe misinformation about sun protection that may discourage them from utilizing protective measures. Notably, the survey showed that about 1 in 7 (14%) adults under 35 think daily sunscreen use is more harmful to the skin than direct sun exposure, and nearly a quarter (23%) believe drinking water and staying hydrated prevents a sunburn.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing skin cancer more and more in patients of a young age. And because it’s something that’s often not on their radar, it tends to be diagnosed in more advanced stages,” Dr. Nair said. “We don’t want to discourage people from being outside and being active because there are so many health benefits to that, but it’s also important to know that sun protection can be lifesaving, and the only effective way of protecting yourself is limiting the effects of UV radiation on the skin.”

A new national survey found that more than 30% of Americans believe that having a tan makes people look better and healthier, a dangerous beauty standard to aim for given the risks of skin cancer.“There is no such thing as a healthy tan, as it’s really just a visual manifestation of damage to the skin,” said <a href="https://www.orlandohealth.com/physician-finder/rajesh-m-nair-md#/overview">Rajesh Nair, MD</a>, an oncology surgeon at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, via a press release. “But we’re fighting against a perceived positive image and health benefits of something that actually has a totally opposite reality, which is that suntanned skin represents an increased risk of a deadly disease.”The survey, conducted by Ipsos, also found that young adults are likely to believe misinformation about sun protection that may discourage them from utilizing protective measures. Notably, the survey showed that about 1 in 7 (14%) adults under 35 think daily sunscreen use is more harmful to the skin than direct sun exposure, and nearly a quarter (23%) believe drinking water and staying hydrated prevents a sunburn.“Unfortunately, we’re seeing skin cancer more and more in patients of a young age. And because it’s something that’s often not on their radar, it tends to be diagnosed in more advanced stages,” Dr. Nair said. “We don’t want to discourage people from being outside and being active because there are so many health benefits to that, but it’s also important to know that sun protection can be lifesaving, and the only effective way of protecting yourself is limiting the effects of UV radiation on the skin.”

Rebecca Shatsky, MD

ASCO 2025 Highlights: Dr. Rebecca Shatsky on Evolving Therapies in HR+ Breast Cancer

HR Breast Cancer

Izzah Nawaz

New Genetic Study Identifies Two Key Genes Linked to Ulcerative Colitis Risk

Gastroenterology

David M. Waterhouse, MD, MPH

Clinical Trial Gaps in TNBC: New Data Underscores Access Inequities for Black Women

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Latest News

Survey Finds Many Young Adults Believe Dangerous Myths About Sun Protection, Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin Cancer

A new survey showed that too many young people believe myths and misinformation related to skin cancer prevention.

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertising

Contact Us

eNewsletters

Contribute

Career Center

MashupMD

Blood Cancers Today

Cancer Nursing Today

GU Oncology Now

Urban Health Today

Anemia

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Essential Thrombocythemia

Hemophilia

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelofibrosis

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Polycythemia Vera

Pulmonary Embolism

Sickle Cell Disease

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombophilia

Thrombosis

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Venous Thromboembolism

von Willebrand Disease

Heme Today

Acute Kidney Injury

ADPKD

Anemia and Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

COVID-19 and Kidney Disease

Diabetes and Hypertension

End-Stage Renal Disease

Gout

Hyperkalemia

IgAN

Kidney Transplantation

Metabolic Acidosis

Nephrology Times

HER2 Breast Cancer

Genetics & Breast Cancer

Breast Cancers Today

Diabetes

Obesity

Metabolic Care Today

Atherosclerotic Disease

Atrial Fibrillation

Heart Failure

Hypertension

Interventional Cardiology

Lipid Management

Practice Tips With Dr. Lichaa

Preventive Cardiology

Stroke

Cardiology

Breast Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Oncology

Sleep

Urology

Ophthalmology

— Demodex Blepharitis

Neurology

Rheumatology

Pulmonology

Infectious Diseases

— HIV

Health and Wellness

Lupus

Future of Medicine

Orthopedics

Pharmacology

Career News

More

Conferences

CardioNerds

The Sleep Source With Dr. Morse

Rheumatology Rounds With Dr. Maheswaranathan

Partners

Expert Interviews

Subscribe