More awareness needed
Researchers made this conclusion after investigating 12 earlier studies involoving more than 9,000 people.
“The numbers are striking – hundreds of thousands of cancers each year are attributed to tanning beds,” senior study author Dr. Eleni Linos, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California – San Francisco, said in a written statement. “This creates a huge opportunity for cancer prevention.”
Often non-melanoma skin cancers lead to surgery.
“These cancers may not be lethal, but they can be disfiguring,” Dr. Craig Devoe, oncologist at North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Center for Melanoma and Rare Skin Cancers in Great Neck N.Y., told WebMD. “To get tan, the ultraviolet rays must cause damage to your DNA,” added Devoe, who was not involved in the study.
Limiting tanning for young people
The study shows adults under the age of 25 that use tanning beds are at the highest risk of getting cancer. Researchers hope this knowledge encourages policy changes that place limits on tanning. Other countries have already adopted such laws.
“Australia and Europe have already led the way in banning tanning beds for children and teenagers, and Brazil has completely banned tanning beds for all ages,” said Linos. “I hope that our study supports policy and public health campaigns to limit this carcinogen in the United States.”
Benefits vs. Risks
Researchers argue the benefits of indoor tanning are minimal, but those in the tanning industry say soaking up some rays does have advantages.
“UV exposure, whether from the sun or a sunbed, has many benefits,” John Overstreet, executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association, said to USA Today. He cites research showing indoor tanning provides vitamin D which has been tied to protective health benefits. “As with most human activities, there are also risks. It seems the risks continue to grab the headlines in the media, while the benefits remain unnoticed and unpromoted.”
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