Sun exposure and protection practices among Florida college marching band members and alumni: a cross-sectional study

In the USA, skin cancer is the most common cancer, more than all other cancers combined. Skin cancer may be prevented by using sun protection. This is particularly important in 18–29-year-olds who, compared to older individuals, experience sunburns more frequently. Moreover, in locations close to the equator, such as Florida, people are at an increased risk of developing melanoma. College marching band members spend a significant amount of time in the sun, as much as 25 h weekly practicing and performing at games, yet little is known about this population. We examined and compared sun exposure and protection practices among Florida college marching band members and alumni. In 2020, anonymous cross-sectional web-based surveys were distributed via email and private Facebook groups. A total of 859 members and alumni of five Florida university marching bands participated. Questionnaires assessed demographic characteristics, sun protection behaviors, as well as history of sunburn and skin cancer. Analyses of variance and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to compare sun protection practices between band members and alumni. During sunny day practices, only 16.1% (63/391) of alumni and 27.1% (127/468) of current band members always wore sunscreen. In the multiple linear regression, after adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, and family history of skin cancer, alumni, who participated in marching band practices within the past 50 years, were significantly less likely to wear sunscreen or hats compared to current band members. Overall, men were less likely to wear sunscreen but were more likely to wear hats and shirts with sleeves that cover their shoulders compared to women. Compared to the general US population in 2017 (0.38%), alumni of Florida college marching bands in 2020 (2.04%) have a self-reported increase in melanoma prevalence of 1.66%. Of note, melanoma diagnoses were only reported by alumni who self-identified as non-Hispanic white; none of the non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, or other alumni reported a melanoma diagnosis. As skin cancer incidence continues to rise, it is critical that leaders in the marching band community continually address unprotected sun exposure, by promoting protective practices, as well as modifying attitudes and behaviors regarding sun exposure and protection.