Optimistically biased perception of one's own skin cancer risk: Representative nationwide findings

Background Previous research has shown that individuals tend to have unrealistic comparative optimism (UCO) for different diseases and health outcomes. Our aim was to analyze UCO in relation to skin cancer for the first time in a representative nationwide sample. The results will be important for planning future prevention. Methods The National Cancer Aid Monitoring on Sunbed Use (NCAM, wave 3) is a representative nationwide German survey (n = 3,000, 14–45 years). We assessed UCO in relation to skin cancer and analyzed its association with sociodemographics, tanning and health‐related risk behaviors, skin cancer risk, and skin cancer risk awareness. Results Four out of ten (43.3 %) respondents believed themselves to have a lower risk of developing skin cancer than other people of the same age and sex. Younger individuals were more likely to be optimistic. Individuals with an increased risk of skin cancer were more likely to perceive this higher risk. Conclusion While it is realistic for those who actually have a higher risk of skin cancer to perceive it that way, the findings for the general population (and specifically for younger individuals) are concerning. It seems important to explain to people that their perception of their own risk of skin cancer is unrealistic, as this may affect their individual screening and prevention behavior.