1. Skin Cancer Statistics

- Skin Cancer Prevalence: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually.

- Melanoma: This is the deadliest form of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 100,000 new cases per year in the U.S. alone. In 2023, an estimated 7,990 deaths were attributed to melanoma.

- Risk Increase: Having more than five sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of developing melanoma.

2. Sunburn Rates

- Sunburn Prevalence: According to the CDC, approximately 34% of U.S. adults reported at least one sunburn in the past year, and 57% of teenagers experienced a sunburn annually.

- Age Group: The highest rates of sunburn are seen in younger individuals, with around 50% of adults aged 18-29 reporting sunburns.

3. Sunscreen Usage

- Sunscreen Application: Studies show that only 30% of women and 15% of men in the U.S. regularly use sunscreen on both their face and other exposed skin.

- Under-Application: Most people apply only 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen (about 1 ounce or a shot glass worth for full-body coverage).

- Sunscreen Effectiveness: A sunscreen with SPF 15 reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and melanoma by 50%.

4. Timing and UV Exposure

- Peak UV Hours: UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the summer months.

- UV Index Awareness: Only about 40% of people regularly check the UV Index before going outdoors.

5. Protective Measures

- Protective Clothing: Despite its effectiveness, only 15% of people wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, or use other protective clothing when outdoors.

- Shade and Sunglasses: Less than 40% of people regularly seek shade or wear UV-protective sunglasses during peak UV hours.

6. Global Perspectives on Sun Care

- Australia: Due to high UV radiation levels, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer. Over 2/3 of Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, leading to widespread sun protection campaigns.

- Europe: In a European survey, 65% of people knew the importance of sun protection, but 30-40% still didn’t use sunscreen regularly during outdoor activities.

7. Economic Impact of Skin Cancer

- The annual cost of treating skin cancer in the U.S. exceeds $8 billion, with $4.8 billion spent on non-melanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion on melanoma.

These statistics highlight the importance of sun care and the need for increased awareness and education regarding proper sun protection.