Skin cancer increases due to use of tanning beds

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, according to a study published in JAMA by a team of scientists at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This increasing incidence is most likely due to a combination of multiple factors, including increased exposure to UV light, ozone depletion, and increased surveillance. (Related article: How to prevent skin cancer?)

The use of a tanning bed has been shown to be a risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer in young women. A national survey conducted in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology in 1986, with follow-up in 1996, showed that regular use of a tanning bed had increased from 2% to 6% among those older than 18 years.30 In the 1996 survey, this use was shown to be higher for younger age groups, women, and whites. These studies support the possibility that increased use of indoor tanning contributes to the increasing incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer seen in young populations, especially women. (Related article: Self tanners for the tanned appearance)

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