Prevalence and Context of Sunburn Among U.S. Adults - United States, 2024

Sunburn is an important risk factor for skin cancer. Understanding sunburn prevalence and the contexts in which sunburn commonly occurs might help guide the development and implementation of sun safety interventions. Data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey sample adult questionnaire were analyzed to describe the prevalence of one or more and four or more sunburns among U.S. adults during the previous 12 months and the percentages of U.S. adults who experienced their most recent sunburn while they were working at their job; intentionally tanning; exercising; spending time in, on, or near water; using sunscreen; or drinking alcohol. Overall, an estimated 88.1 million (35.1%) U.S. adults had at least one sunburn during the previous 12 months, and 18.8 million (7.5%) had four or more sunburns. Among adults who experienced sunburn during the previous year, spending time in, on, or near the water was the most frequently reported context of their most recent sunburn (60.6%); followed by exercising (24.7%); drinking alcohol (17.6%); intentionally tanning (15.9%); and working at their job (12.9%). Approximately one half (55.1%) of respondents reported that their most recent sunburn occurred despite using sunscreen. These findings can help guide research and activities to adapt, tailor, and expand evidence-based interventions to improve use of sun protection, prevent sunburn, and reduce skin cancer risk.