A large meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology has found that people with a history of painful, blistering, or severe sunburns face higher odds of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), one of the most common forms of skin cancer. The analysis, led by dermatologist Isaac Weber and colleagues at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and other US institutes, pooled data from 17 studies involving more than 321,000 people.
Key Findings
According to the analysis, people who reported a medium frequency of severe sunburns over their lifetime had 51% higher odds of developing cSCC compared with those who reported none. For those with a high frequency of severe burns, the odds were 69% higher. The association was particularly strong for childhood sunburns: frequent severe sunburns during childhood were linked to up to three times higher odds of cSCC later in life.
The researchers acknowledged that the certainty of the evidence remains low, noting that memories of past sunburns may not be reliable. They also pointed out the difficulty of disentangling the effects of individual sunburns from chronic UV exposure over many years. "Disentangling chronic UV exposure from sunburn is challenging due to their potential overlap – individuals with more sunburns may also have greater chronic exposure," Weber and colleagues wrote.
The analysis included data adjusted for age, skin color, and skin sensitivity where possible. The findings echo earlier research: past meta-analyses have found similar risks for melanoma and basal cell carcinoma associated with more severe childhood sunburns.
Experts Weigh In
Experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York describe these sunburns as "life-changing sunburns" because UV radiation damages DNA in skin cells with effects that can persist for years.
"When the body repairs that damage, mistakes can sometimes occur," said Adrienne Victor, an oncologist at the University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute, who was not involved in the analysis. "Over time, these mutations can accumulate and contribute to the development of skin cancer."
Dermatologist Jinia El-Feghaly added that "children are more susceptible due to multiple risk factors, including the biology of their pigment-producing skin cells, the higher likelihood of sun exposure, and inconsistent use of sun protection."
Sunscreen Use and Myths
Despite the clear risks, sunscreen use remains inconsistent. According to CivicScience data from 2026, 75% of Americans surveyed said they used sunscreen at least occasionally, while 40% said they did not reapply it. Nearly one-quarter of Americans believed sunscreen itself was toxic – a concern not supported by evidence, experts say.
"Some people avoid sunscreen because of myths that its ingredients can cause skin cancer," Victor said. "However, the strongest evidence points to UV exposure as the primary cause of most skin cancers."
Health agencies recommend a multi-pronged approach. The US Food and Drug Administration advises sun-protective measures such as clothing, sunglasses, and shade, alongside broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Additional Risk Factors
Beyond sunburns, genetics and lifestyle choices such as cigarette smoking can increase skin cancer risk. Tanning beds are also a concern: a 2025 study suggested that regular exposure to artificial UV light from tanning beds may be worse for the skin than sunlight. The Fitzpatrick Scale, which classifies skin types based on how easily they burn, is often used to gauge individual risk.
A Public Health Reminder
The findings serve as a reminder of the long-term consequences of severe sunburns. While past damage cannot be undone, future exposure can be limited. Public education campaigns have long emphasized this message – Australia's iconic 'Slip, Slop, Slap' campaign from the 1980s encouraged slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen, and slapping on a hat.
Victor emphasized the importance of prevention: "Preventing further sunburns is imperative since any prior damage is irreversible and cannot be corrected."