Alcohol consumption and self-reported sunburn: A cross-sectional, population-based survey
Accepted 13 April 2006. published online 13 June 2006.
Background
Heavy drinking has been associated with several cancers, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine whether excessive drinking is associated with sunburn, a risk factor for skin cancer.
Methods
As part of the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a population-based telephone survey, 299,658 adults reported their use of alcohol in the preceding month and a history of sunburn in the preceding year.
Results
Approximately 33.5% of respondents reported a sunburn within the past year. Heavier average alcohol use and binge drinking were both positively associated with prevalence and number of sunburns within the past year. The adjusted odds ratios for prevalence and number of sunburns among binge drinkers were 1.39 (95% confidence interval 1.31-1.48) and 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.38), respectively. Associations tended to be of similar magnitude for average alcohol use and in all subgroups evaluated.
Limitations
This study was cross-sectional and relied upon participant self-report.
Conclusion
Excessive drinking is associated with higher rates of sunburn among American adults. The observed relationship typifies the high-risk behavior associated with excessive drinking and suggests one pathway linking alcohol use with skin cancer.
Boston, Massachusetts
From the Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Reprint requests: Kenneth J. Mukamal, MD, Department of Medicine. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Rose-114, Boston, MA 02215.
Supported by grant R21AA14900 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
ABSTRACT