Despite growing awareness of the connection between tanning beds and skin cancer, devotees continue to use them to banish a wintry pallor.A new study put a specific number to the increased risk of the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.
The research found tanning bed use led to a nearly threefold increased risk of melanoma, resulting from DNA damage to certain types of skin cells.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from the sun or tanning beds, is one of the main risk factors for melanoma.
“Tanning bed patients had more mutations in their skin cells compared to their peers who were also being evaluated in a high-risk skin cancer clinic,despite no differences in other skin cancer risk factors,” says Pedram Gerami,MD,the study’s lead author and the director of the Skin Cancer Institute of Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.
The DNA damage also appeared in broader areas of the skin not normally exposed to the sun in patients using tanning beds, compared with those with outdoor sun exposure, he says.
Tanning Bed Users Have a Higher Risk for Skin-Cell Mutations
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In the new study, researchers looked at the health records of about 3,000 self-reported tanning bed users ages 18 to 70, and compared them with about 3,000 patients of the same age without a tanning bed history.
They found that melanoma was diagnosed in 5 percent of tanning bed users, compared with 2 percent for non-users. Even after adjusting the data for age, sex, sunburn history, and family history, tanning bed use was associated with an overall 2.85-fold increase in melanoma risk.
The risk was highest (an 8-fold increase) for peopel who reported using tanning beds more than 200 times, Dr. Gerami says. Those reporting 10 to 50 uses had a 2-fold increase.
The study also performed single-cell DNA sequencing on 182 individual melanocytes – the skin cells that produce pigment – and found that cells from tanning-bed users carried about twice as many mutations (or gene changes that can lead to cancer) as those in the control group.
And, gerami notes, those who used tanning beds had mutations in areas of the body typically protected from the sun, such as the lower back or buttocks.
“It demonstrates that tanning bed patients have an unusual distribution of melanomas compared to people who have had significant outdoor sun exposure, with tanning bed patients having relatively more melanomas in sun-protected body sites,” he says.
The research has limitations in the total number of patients enrolled, Gerami notes. “A larger study could increase the statistical power.”
Tanning beds are often perceived as a safe way to achieve a bronzed glow, but mounting evidence reveals a significant link between their use and an increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Despite a potential delay in cancer development, the damage to skin cell DNA caused by tanning beds is undeniable. Experts overwhelmingly recommend avoiding tanning beds altogether and offer safer alternatives for achieving desired skin tone.
The Risks of Tanning Bed Use
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVA and UVB rays, to stimulate melanin production and darken the skin. however, this process isn’t harmless.According to dermatologists, even occasional use can be detrimental.
“It just may take a few years for skin cancer to show up,” explains Dr. Gerami, highlighting the insidious nature of the damage. The UV radiation damages the DNA within skin cells, increasing the likelihood of developing melanoma later in life.
No amount of tanning-bed use is safe, emphasizes Howard Sobel, MD, a clinical attending cosmetic dermatology surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, who was not involved in the recent research. This underscores the critical need for complete avoidance.
Safer Alternatives for a Sun-Kissed Look
If you desire a tanned appearance, dermatologists recommend safer alternatives like self-tanning lotions. These products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that temporarily darkens the skin’s surface without the harmful effects of UV radiation. Spray tans offer another option, providing a similar effect.
Lowering Your Overall UV Exposure and Melanoma Risk
Beyond avoiding tanning beds, several proactive steps can substantially reduce your risk of UV exposure and melanoma:
* Daily Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
* Reapplication is Key: Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
* Avoid peak Sun Hours: Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m.and 4 p.m.,when UV rays are strongest.
* Protective Clothing: Wear sun-protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
* Seek Shade: Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during peak sun hours.
The Importance of Regular Skin Checks
Early detection is crucial for successful melanoma treatment. Regular self-exams and professional skin cancer screenings are vital.
“Nobody knows your skin like you do,” says Dr. Golda. “If you see that a mole is changing, even subtly, or a spot has started itching or bleeding, I want to have them come in for an examination. Being vigilant and catching cancer early provides the best opportunity to get the best possible outcomes.”
Visit your dermatologist regularly for professional skin cancer checks and promptly report any new or changing skin lesions.
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