Also common is turning to family (28%) or friends (27%).
Men are more likely than women (32% vs. 20%) to say they skip sunscreen altogether.
At 54%, wearing sunglasses is the most common way people fend off harmful rays.
Nearly half (46%) protect themselves by staying in the shade.
Adults ages 1834 are more likely to view tanning favorably than older Americans.
As people age, their awareness of skin cancer increases, although that awareness varies by gender.
Younger adults and men are less likely to check for potential problems than older people and women.
Americans are wising up to the risks of tanning beds.
Just 25% of respondents have used a sun lamp, tanning booth or bed.
Of those who had, 75% report no longer doing so.
The survey interviews were conducted from September 14 to October 3, 2023 by phone, averaging 17 minutes.
A total of 1,500 interviews were completed.
For more information, kindly contact Teresa A. Keenan atTKeenan@aarp.org.
For media inquiries, hey contact External Relations atmedia@aarp.org.
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