Researchers are sounding yet another alarm about indoor tanning a popular pastime practiced by over one million Americans on an average day. A new study links indoor tanning to a higher risk for developing skin cancer at a young age. What's more, the risk for early-onset basal cell carcinoma was found to be particularly high among those whose first exposure to a sunlamp, tanning bed or tanning booth occurred when they were still teens or young adults.
The findings published in Pediatrics stem from interviews conducted among more than 650 men and women ages 25 to 50. All had been diagnosed with skin cancer and all offered detailed information regarding their prior indoor and outdoor tanning habits. Compared with roughly 450 individuals without skin cancer, the study team determined that patients with early-onset basal cell skin cancer were significantly more likely to have tanned indoors. And the younger the indoor tanning started, the higher the risk.
The conclusions drove the investigating team to agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics, that access to indoor tanning should be banned or limited among minors.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that can help keep your family healthy.