Factors associated with sunbed use among 3692 outpatients in 18 centers of the Italian Cancer League (LILT)

Simona Mastroeni,Damiano Abeni,Francesco Ricci,Mario Cristofolini,Luca Fania,Flaminia Antonelli,Francesca Sampogna,Nidia Melo Salcedo

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-02026-3

Simona Mastroeni, Damiano Abeni + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02026-3

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Abstract

Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Nonetheless, its use is still widespread. We aimed to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sunbed users in a group of participants in the skin cancer prevention campaign organized by the Italian Cancer League (LILT). During almost 2 years, 4409 individuals were screened in 18 centers. Participants reported having used sunbeds before the age of 15 years in 2.2% of cases, while after age 15 the prevalence of use was 22.2%. Participants with complete information were 3692. Sunbed users aged > 15 years were significantly more frequently females, young, living in Northern Italy, highly educated, and current or former smokers. They had darker phototype, more common nevi, had used sunbeds more frequently before the age of 15, reported a history of sunburns, and use of sunscreens. Indoor tanning is an important public health issue and a relevant target for primary prevention. However, not all countries have adopted the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on health risks associated with artificial tanning. A deeper insight into the topic may contribute to identify the best prevention strategies.

Highlights

Indoor tanning is a well-established risk factor for skin cancer
In the present study we aimed to collect information on people who underwent voluntary screening for skin cancer, to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sunbeds users in a group of participants in the skin cancer prevention campaign organized by the Italian Cancer League(LILT)
4409 individuals were screened during the LILT campaign

Summary

Introduction

Indoor tanning is a well-established risk factor for skin cancer. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer following such exposure[1,2]. In the 2015 National Health Interview Survey of U.S adults, the highest rates of sunbed and sunlamp use were found among non-Hispanic white women between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, with 17.2% of them reporting use of these devices in the past year. On the basis of the proportional attributable risk for these 3 regions, Wehner et al estimated nearly half a million new cases of skin cancer diagnosis each year due to indoor tanning[6]. Studies on this topic usually recruit participants in specialized hospital and/or academic settings, targeting a specific population by age or the general population[7]. In the present study we aimed to collect information on people who underwent voluntary screening for skin cancer, to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sunbeds users in a group of participants in the skin cancer prevention campaign organized by the Italian Cancer League(LILT)

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