Considering Sun Safety Policies in the United States

Abstract

As they are collectively the most common malignancies, the personal and systemic burden of skin cancers represent a significant public health concern in the United States. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun as well as from artificial sources such as tanning beds is a carcinogen well-known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer in individuals. Public health policies can help mitigate these risks. In this perspectives article, we review sunscreen and sunglasses standards, tanning bed utilization, and workplace sun protection guidelines in the US and provide focused examples for improvement from Australia and the United Kingdom where skin cancer is a well-documented public health concern. These comparative examples can inform interventions in the US that have the potential to modify exposure to risk factors associated with skin cancer.

Keywords: skin cancer; sun safety.