The association between sun exposure and skin cancer has become more widely understood over the years as studies and research continue to be done.

In a recent cohort study, the long-term risk of developing skin cancer as a result of sunburns has been confirmed. The study used information gathered between 1991 to 2007 through a baseline questionnaire that included questions about the number of sunburns experienced. Follow-up questionnaires were answered every five to seven years. The data for this study was gathered by the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study which was established in 1991.

The analysis of the data from the study showed that those who experienced a high frequency of sunburns throughout their lives had a notably increased risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The data also showed that those who frequently experienced sunburns during childhood had an even higher risk of developing these skin cancers. The research indicates that properly protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding sunburns, especially during childhood, is incredibly important when it comes to reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Article Citation:

Lifetime Sunburn Trajectories and Associated Risks of Cutaneous Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Among a Cohort of Norwegian Women Simon Lergenmuller, PhD1,2; Corina S. Rueegg, PhD3; Flavie Perrier, PhD1; et alTrude E. Robsahm, PhD4; Adele C. Green, PhD5,6; Eiliv Lund, PhD4,7; Reza Ghiasvand, PhD3,4; Marit B. Veierød, PhD1

JAMA Dermatol. Published online October 5, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4053