Why skin cancer rates are rising among people in their 20s and 30s—and what to do about it
Skin cancer is on the rise among young adults, exposing a blistering behavioral trend.
TikTok reportedly has more than 142 million posts featuring the hashtag "tan lines," spotlighting younger adults who intentionally seek the sun when the UV index is at its peak. Half of Gen Z adults reported being sunburned in 2024, with 10% suffering burns severe enough to cause blisters. Meanwhile, only 37% of millennials say that they realize prolonged sun exposure could cause precancerous lesions.
Dr. Steven Q. Wang, Chief of Dermatology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute, says he and his colleagues view these behavioral trends with alarm.
“Skin cancer risk is cumulative. By the time someone is in their 20s or 30s, the damage from childhood sunburns and teenage tanning may already be working against them,” he says. “If I could tell young people one thing it’s that the habits they form now will shape their skin health for decades to come.”
Skimping on sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology found only 34% of Gen Z adults say skin cancer prevention is the most important reason to use sunscreen, and 64% say they often forget to apply it.
When sunscreen is applied, it may be done so incorrectly. Dr. Wang recommends a broad-spectrum formula with a minimum SPF of 30 for daily use and SPF 50 for extended outdoor time—applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, reapplied every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. Most people apply far less than the recommended amount, which is roughly one teaspoon for the face and neck and about one ounce for exposed body areas.
And sunscreen is one layer of protection, not the whole strategy. Shade, protective clothing, wide-brim hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses all matter—especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Why early detection changes everything
When melanoma is caught early, the survival rate is approximately 99%. Meanwhile, late-stage melanoma that has already spread throughout the body can carry a 5-year survival rate of 32%. That gap makes early detection one of the most consequential things a person can do for their long-term health. As part of its comprehensive approach to cancer prevention, detection and treatment, Hoag has made advanced imaging and detection technology a priority.
"Nothing is more powerful than prevention or early detection," Dr. Wang says. "With our advanced noninvasive technology, we can detect changes in high-risk patients at the earliest possible stage."
What to do right now
Now is the time to take meaningful steps toward skin cancer prevention:
Apply sunscreen every morning, even on overcast days. UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off water, sand, and pavement year-round in Southern California.
Pay attention to your skin. Know what's there. New or changing moles, unusual growths, or spots that bleed easily all deserve a prompt conversation with your dermatologist.
Schedule an annual skin exam. For those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or a significant number of moles, earlier and more frequent screening is worth discussing with your physician.
For parents, the habits formed in childhood carry real long-term weight. Keep infants under six months out of direct sun, teach older children that shade and sunscreen are routine—and treat sunburns as a warning sign, not a normal part of summer.
Want to take control of your skin health? The Hoag Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program can help.
