Home / Health / Sunscreen Myths Put 16 Million at Skin Cancer Risk
Sunscreen Myths Put 16 Million at Skin Cancer Risk
4 May
Summary
- Over 16 million Americans reduced sunscreen use due to online misinformation.
- Nearly half of Americans, and 64% of Gen Z, have seen sunscreen myths online.
- Experts warn that any tan signifies UV damage, increasing skin cancer risk.
Over 16 million Americans are now at increased risk for skin cancer because of widespread misinformation encountered online. A recent survey revealed that a significant portion of adults have stopped or reduced their sunscreen use based on false claims found on the internet. This issue disproportionately affects younger generations, with Gen Z showing a high rate of exposure to these myths.
Experts from the American Academy of Dermatology are urging the public to be cautious about online health information. They stress that there is no such thing as a safe tan; any tan signifies skin damage from UV radiation, which accelerates aging and elevates skin cancer risk. Furthermore, sunburns, experienced by a third of Americans recently, also drastically increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer over time.
