What Beachgoers Think and Do About Skin Cancer

Did you know that people who hit the beach a lot are more likely to get sunburns? This review looked into what beachgoers and sunbathers know, think, and do when it comes to skin cancer. Researchers scoured databases like PubMed and CINAHL to find studies on this topic. They found 24 studies that fit the bill. Here's what they discovered: Beachgoers are pretty clued up about sun protection, but they might not know all the details about UV light and risk factors.

They also tend to think their own risk of skin cancer is lower than average. While some use sunscreen and other protective gear, others don't bother. Shockingly, about one in five beachgoers don't use sun protection at all, and over half have had a bad sunburn. Healthcare providers could do more to educate beachgoers about the dangers of too much sun. Media campaigns could also help spread the word about how to stay safe.

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