Sunburn in childhood raises the risk of melanoma later in life

What the research found

A 1997 systematic review of case-control studies found people who were sunburnt in childhood had about double the odds of melanoma (odds ratio 1.95). Sunburn in adolescence (1.73) and in adult life (1.91) showed similar links. An earlier review in 1994 found a history of sunburn roughly doubled melanoma risk (2.0), and the highest sunburn category carried a risk of 3.7.

A 2023 genetic (Mendelian randomization) study found a suggestive causal link between childhood sunburn and melanoma. The range of possible results was wide, so the size of the effect is uncertain. This method is less prone to the usual confounding problems of observational studies. A 2000 review called large, sunburn-level sun doses in childhood the only environmental risk factor shown consistently for melanoma.

Victorian health guidance says UV damage built up in childhood and adolescence is strongly linked to skin cancer later in life. It also notes that around 25% of lifetime sun exposure happens in the first two decades.

What it doesn’t mean

• The 1994 review could not confirm that childhood sunburn is worse than sunburn at other ages. The 1997 review also found no strong link to age. Sunburn at any age matters, and sun protection helps at any age.
• Sunburn is not the only risk. WHO says even UV doses too low to cause sunburn may raise the chance of melanoma and other skin cancers. Skin colour and number of moles also play a big role.
• Most of the evidence is case-control studies, which rely on people remembering past sunburns. If you notice a new or changing mole or spot on your child or yourself, see a GP.