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Wiley InterScience

International Journal of Dermatology

International Journal of Dermatology

Volume 46 Issue 12, Pages 1253 - 1257

Published Online: 18 Dec 2007

Journal compilation © 2010 International Society of Dermatology



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Tanning bed exposure increases the risk of malignant melanoma
William Ting, MD, MBA, Kara Schultz, MD, Natalie N. Cac, BSE, Michael Peterson, BS, and Hobart W. Walling, MD, PhD
From the Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Correspondence
Hobart Walling, md, phd Town Square Dermatology 1100 Sixth Street, Suite 202 Coralville, IA 52241 USA
E-mail: hobartwalling@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2007 The International Society of Dermatology

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussionAcknowledgmentReferences

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.

Conclusion Exposure 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.


DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)
10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03408.x About DOI

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