WebMD Medical News Laura J. Martin, MD May 10, 2012 -- Two new
reports from the CDC are shedding more light on just how many
young people may be soaking up ultraviolet (UV) rays -- whether
it's outdoors or UV rays from indoor tanning. And there are
signs of some worrisome trends: The sun-seeking habits of young
men and women, along with their inadequate sun protection
strategies, are putting them at greater risk for skin cancer.
The first study looked at trends among young people ages 18 to
29 between the years 2000 and 2010. It found that about 66% of
whites in this age group had gotten at least one sunburn in the
past year. Researchers also found a low rate of regular
sunscreen use among young adults. Only 37% of women ages 18 to
29 and about 16% of men in this age group said they always used
sunscreen or used it most of the time. A second study tracked
the number of adults in the U.S. who had tried indoor tanning at
least one time in 2010. It looked at who had used a sunlamp, sun
bed, or tanning booth, and