New studies in skin cancer awareness are showing that Americans are beginning to catch on to the dangers of excessive sun exposure. A study released by LaurusHealth.com said that only 20 percent of those surveyed were actively pursuing a tan, and more than 83 percent were aware that severe sunburn is a risk factor for skin cancer at any age.

According to the survey, which polled 1,000 Americans by phone in early May, young adults (age 18-34) are the most likely to pursue a suntan and are also the least concerned about getting skin cancer. Adults in the next age group (age 35-54) are most concerned about skin cancer. While they don't, necessarily, stay indoors, less than half avoid exposure as much as possible.

The most alarming statistic came from the New York University School of Medicine, which reported that skin cancer is now the most common cancer in women age 25-29 and second among women age 30-34.

Some other results of the survey were:

Only 8 percent of consumers over 55 actively seek a tan, and they're most likely to wear protective clothing or stay out of the sun.

10 percent of consumers don't take any precautions to protect themselves from the sun. Of those that do, 65 percent use sunscreen, 62 percent wear a hat or protective clothing and 51 percent stay out of the sun as much as possible.

One-third realize that freckles are a skin cancer risk factor and 22 percent are aware that taking immunosuppressive drugs and subjection to excessive sun exposure don't mix.

More Northeasterners (21 percent) pursue a tan than Midwesterners, Southerners and Westerners (19 percent average).

Address: LaurusHealth.com, 220 E. LasColinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039; (800) 452-8787.