Alcohol consumption and self-reported sunburn: A cross-sectional, population-based survey

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.