increasing. For example, from 2014 to 2024 the number of invasive melanoma cases diagnosed annually increased by 32%. In our January 2024 study we found that while 27% of the 40 and older population never use sunscreen, 35% of the Optimists avoid it, far more than the other Health segments
In facing the dangers of sickness and death from Covid-19, one Health segment perceives a low risk. While 17% of the 40 and older population in the U.S. says that it has never received a Covid-19 vaccine, far more Optimists, one in four (26%), tell us they have had no vaccinations for Covid-19.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that using any tobacco product puts one at risk for lung cancer. In particular, smoking cigarettes is linked to 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. Our most recent study shows that more Optimists (39%) use a tobacco product as compared to our total population (35%) and to the other Health segments.
In situation after situation, we find our Optimist segment living with a far lower perception of risk, whether Covid-19, using tobacco or avoiding sunscreen. From the Optimist’s willingness to tolerate a high level of risk we can only expect that in the years ahead those in this Health segment will suffer significantly more disease and an earlier death.