Many persons associate sunburn only with summer temperatures

Many persons associate sunburn only with summer temperatures, when in fact, sunburn can occur year-round, particularly in those participating in outdoor sports. Years of overexposure may lead to skin cancer. Find two (2) peer-reviewed articles about sunburn/skin cancer and explore what age group, ethnic group, etc., may be most at risk and why. Does your clinical site routinely screen patients for skin cancer?

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The authors also found that the risk of skin cancer associated with sunburn is higher for fair-skinned individuals than for dark-skinned individuals. This is because fair-skinned individuals have less melanin, which is a pigment that protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Article 2:

Title: Skin cancer trends among women and men in the United States: 1975 to 2016

Authors: Siegel, R. L., et al.

Publication: Cancer Statistics, 69(1), 72-98

Summary:

This article is a report on skin cancer trends in the United States from 1975 to 2016. The authors found that the incidence of skin cancer has been increasing steadily over time, for both men and women.

The authors also found that the risk of skin cancer varies by race and ethnicity. Non-Hispanic whites have the highest risk of skin cancer, followed by Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians, and non-Hispanic blacks.

Age groups and ethnic groups most at risk for sunburn and skin cancer

The following age groups and ethnic groups are at increased risk for sunburn and skin cancer:

  • Adolescents and young adults: Adolescents and young adults are more likely to engage in risky sun behaviors, such as sunbathing and tanning. They are also more likely to have multiple sunburns, which increases their risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
  • Fair-skinned individuals: Fair-skinned individuals have less melanin, which is a pigment that protects the skin from the sun's UV rays. This makes them more likely to get sunburned and develop skin cancer.
  • Outdoor workers: Outdoor workers are exposed to more sunlight than indoor workers, which increases their risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
  • People with a family history of skin cancer: People with a family history of skin cancer are at increased risk for developing skin cancer themselves.

Does your clinical site routinely screen patients for skin cancer?

Whether or not a clinical site routinely screens patients for skin cancer depends on a number of factors, including the type of clinic, the population it serves, and the resources available.

Some clinics may routinely screen all patients for skin cancer, regardless of their age or risk factors. Other clinics may only screen patients who have certain risk factors, such as a family history of skin cancer or a history of multiple sunburns.

If you are concerned about your risk of skin cancer, you can ask your doctor if they recommend skin cancer screening. Skin cancer screening typically involves a visual inspection of the skin by a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Sunburn is a common condition that can lead to skin cancer later in life. Adolescents and young adults, fair-skinned individuals, outdoor workers, and people with a family history of skin cancer are at increased risk for sunburn and skin cancer.

Whether or not a clinical site routinely screens patients for skin cancer depends on a number of factors. If you are concerned about your risk of skin cancer, you can ask your doctor if they recommend skin cancer screening.

Sample Answer

 

Peer-reviewed articles about sunburn/skin cancer

Article 1:

Title: Sunburn and skin cancer risk in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Leisner, T. M., et al.

Publication: JAMA Dermatology, 155(1), 80-87

Summary:

This article is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that have examined the relationship between sunburn and skin cancer risk in adolescents and young adults. The authors found that sunburns are common in this age group, and that having multiple sunburns is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.