Tanning bed exposure increases the risk of malignant melanoma

Abstract

Background Epidemiologic studies have associated tanning bed exposure and cutaneous melanoma. The relationship between the extent of tanning bed exposure and the risk of melanoma has not been elucidated in detail.Methods Surveys assessing the extent of tanning bed exposure and the history of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, were collected from academic dermatology clinic patients ( n = 1518). Of these, 551 (36.3%) completed all components of the survey. The available medical records, including pathology reports ( n = 501; 33%), were reviewed to confirm cases of skin cancer. Data on potential confounding factors, including indoor vs. outdoor occupation and leisure activities, Fitzpatrick skin type, history of blistering sunburn, use of sunscreen and sun protective clothing, history of phototherapy, and level of education, were assessed and compared.Results Of the patients surveyed, 487 (32.1%) reported tanning bed exposure. Women aged 45 years or younger accounted for about 60% of all tanning bed users. Seventy-nine cases of malignant melanoma were reported, 22 in women aged 45 years or younger. In the entire cohort, the "ever-use" of tanning beds was found to be a significant risk factor for the development of melanoma [ P < 0.05; odds ratio (OR), 1.64; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.01-2.67]. The risk was greater in women aged 45 years or younger ( P < 0.05; OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.01-11.46). Patients with a history of melanoma were significantly more likely to report tanning bed sessions exceeding 20 min ( P < 0.01; OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.48 -6.82); this association was even stronger for women aged 45 years or younger (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.41-12.02). Limitations The study was subject to recall bias, included only patients at a midwestern academic practice, and had a relatively low response rate. ConclusionExposure to tanning beds increases the risk of malignant melanoma, especially in women aged 45 years or younger. These findings reinforce the hazards of tanning bed exposure.

Increasing Incidence of Melanoma Among Young Adults: An Epidemiological Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota

“…A survey of patients from an academic dermatology clinic found that exposure to indoor tanning beds was a significant risk factor for the development of melanoma and that this risk was even greater among women younger than 45 years. 19 A meta-analysis of other studies addressing this topic confirmed the association between use of tanning beds and melanoma. 20 Although the incidence of melanoma among young adults is clearly increasing over time, the disease-specific mortality is actually decreasing.…”

Epidemiologia do carcinoma basocelular

“…43.186-188 There is also a strong association with melanoma, even though a relationship between dose and response is not quantified. 101,184,189,190 One of the supposed benefits of tanning beds would be the production of vitamin D; however, oral intake of this vitamin is more efficient and accessible to the population. 188 Another misconception is that artificial tanning would provide protection against subsequent sun exposure, but this protection corresponds to an FPS 2 or 3, something easily achievable by use of sunscreens.…”

Melanoma cutâneo: estudo epidemiológico de 30 anos em cidade do sul do Brasil, de 1980-2009

“…2,27,28 Exposure to ultraviolet A radiation, found in tanning beds, has been associated to the appearance of cutaneous malignant melanoma in epidemiological studies. 29 The high incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Blumenau has as important risk factors the high incidence of ultraviolet radiation in the region (UVB-Index between 11.5 and 13 in summer) and a Caucasian population (94.5%), descendants of Germans and Italians from northern Italy.…”