Tanning Bed Use Research Articles

Ultraviolet radiation from solariums: the main problems of measurement and evaluation of results

Introduction. Artificial tanning is now considered a public health issue. There is strong evidence linking tanning bed use to the risk of skin cancer. One measure to reduce the health risks associated with artificial tanning is to control exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Assessing the compliance of UV solariums with hygienic standards requires solving two main problems – methodological and instrumental support for the measurements taken. The purpose of the study was to substantiate methodological approaches to measuring UVR irradiance in solariums. Material and methods. Regulatory and methodological documents, as well as literary sources devoted to the issues of conducting UVR measurements of solariums and the criteria for assessing their compliance, were analyzed. To justify the conditions and scope of research, measurements of the energy illumination of the UVR of a mini-solarium, and pilot studies in a vertical turbo solarium using a UV Radiometer were carried out. Results. According to the results of UVR measurements at the minimum possible distance from the radiating block of the mini-solarium, the highest values ​​of energy illumination in all ranges were obtained at the central point, which was also confirmed by the results of scanning the radiating surface. Analysis of the research results in a vertical turbo solarium at a distance of 0.3 m from the central vertical axis of the solarium showed that the highest values ​​of energy illumination for the two blocks were obtained at different heights (1.0 m and 0.5 m from the supporting surface), which confirms the need to carry out measurements at several points along the height of each radiating block. Limitations. The results of the study can only be used when measuring the irradiance of ultraviolet radiation in solariums using UV radiometers. Conclusion. The proposed methodological approaches make it possible to measure the energy illumination of ultraviolet radiation in places where solariums are used, process and format of the results obtained, and evaluate them for compliance with current hygienic standards. Issues arised when carrying out measurements and assessing energy illumination in the spectral region of 200–400 nm when examining solariums are identified.

The National Cancer Aid monitoring (NCAM-online) of ultraviolet radiation risk and protection behavior: a population-based observational trend study with four annual online survey waves

BackgroundUltraviolet (UV) radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer development. Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation in the general population. In addition, tanning beds are a source of artificial UV radiation. Since the incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide, it is necessary to monitor UV-related risk behaviors such as intentional indoor and outdoor tanning, as well as sun protection behavior in the general population and specific subgroups and settings. This is the aim of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring online (NCAM-online), a continuation and further development of the NCAM.MethodsThe NCAM-online is a longitudinal trend study consisting of four annual survey waves. Each year, 4,000 individuals aged 16–65 years living in Germany will be surveyed using online questionnaires. Each year, intentional indoor and outdoor tanning will be assessed. In addition, varying specific topics regarding skin cancer prevention, such as the utilization of skin cancer screening, will be addressed in the questionnaires.DiscussionThe findings of the NCAM-online will provide an important basis for the German Cancer Aid and Working Group on Dermatologic Prevention (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Prävention, ADP) to develop targeted prevention campaigns and projects aimed at preventing skin cancer. The explorative nature of the NCAM-online allows for the identification of new potential starting points for prevention and education. In addition, the longitudinal design allows for a description of the trend in the prevalence of intentional tanning. For tanning bed use, representative trend data from 2012 are available for Germany, to which NCAM-online will add annual data until 2027.

Molecular effects of indoor tanning.

Tanning bed users have a significantly increased risk of melanoma, but it remains unclear how indoor tanning drives melanomagenesis. Tanning bed radiation is often thought of as a substitute for natural UV radiation despite differences in the maximum doses, UV content, body sites exposed, and patterns of melanoma that arise. To better understand the epidemiologic trends and etiology of melanoma associated with tanning bed use, we described the patterns of melanoma in patients with quantifiable tanning bed usage and performed exome sequencing of 182 melanocytes from normal skin of a subset of these patients. Tanning bed users were more likely than non-users to have melanoma on body sites with low cumulative levels of sun damage and were more likely to have multiple melanomas. The melanocytes in normal appearing skin from tanning bed users had higher mutation burdens, a higher proportion of melanocytes with pathogenic mutations, and distinct mutational signatures. These differences were most prominent over body sites that experience comparatively less exposure to natural sunlight. We conclude that tanning bed radiation induces melanoma by increasing the mutation burden of melanocytes and by mutagenizing a broader field of melanocytes than are typically exposed to natural sunlight. The unique signatures of mutations in skin cells of tanning users may be attributable to the distinct spectra of radiation emitted from solariums.

A prospective cohort study exploring the joint influence of sunlight exposure and tanning bed use on basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma risk.

Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and use of UV-emitting tanning devices are known risk factors for skin cancer. Few studies have explored the interaction between these risk factors, namely how the risk of skin cancer increases among those who both have been exposed to high levels of natural sunlight and regularly use tanning beds. Nurses' Health Study II followed 116,430 women, aged 25-42, from 1991 to 2011. Cumulative average UV exposure was based on participants' residences at follow-up periods. History of severe sunburn during ages 15-20 was used as a proxy for early-life sunlight exposure. Tanning bed use in early life data was collected. Participants reported melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnoses. We built multivariable Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of skin cancer associated with joint effects of sunlight exposure and tanning bed use. Participants with high sunlight exposure and tanning bed use during high school/college had an increased risk of BCC (HR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.37-1.71, Pinteraction=0.01; vs. low sun exposure and no tanning bed use). Participants with a history of severe sunburns and tanning bed use during high school/college were at increased risk of BCC (HR = 1.62, 95%CI 1.47-1.79, Pinteraction=0.02; vs. no sunburns and no tanning bed use). No significant interactions were found between sunlight exposure and tanning bed use on SCC and melanoma risk. We found significant interactions between sunlight exposure and tanning bed use on the risk of BCC.

Is beauty worth the risk? Self-confidence is the key motivating factor driving tanning bed use among undergraduate students at South Dakota universities.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a leading risk factor for developing all types of skin cancer. In the United States, an estimated 7.8 million young adults engage in indoor tanning. Here, it is hypothesized that certain populations of students at undergraduate universities, namely sorority members, have a greater frequency of tanning bed usage than other groups of students and that regardless of sorority status, the most important motivating factor will be the intent to enhance one's appearance. Undergraduate students at 2 state-funded universities were recruited for participation in this institutional review board-exempt survey via distribution to e-mail addresses and social media accounts affiliated with student organizations/clubs. Among all respondents, the most common motivating factors for tanning bed use were the perception of improved self-appearance and boosted self-confidence. Female sorority members were more likely to use tanning beds and also more likely to report being motivated by enhanced appearance and self-confidence, than their female counterparts who were not sorority members. The sample size (n = 321) and population of this study allows data to only be generalizable to surrounding states with similar demographics. The findings of this study are subject to recall bias as the data is self-reported. Tanning bed use remains a popular practice among young people. Understanding motivations for tanning bed use among populations at increased risk of partaking in this behavior allows for educating these groups on the risks associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure. It is crucial that providers continue to promote skin health and take steps to dissuade detrimental practices and possible habit-forming behaviors at the individual and state levels.

A cross-sectional review of contact allergens in popular self-tanning products

Background: In recent years, self-tanners have become a well-liked alternative to sun tanning and tanning bed usage, as strikingly similar results can be achieved without the harmful side effects of ultraviolet exposure. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and prevalence of potential allergens in the most popular self-tanning products. Methods: Five major retailers in the United States were evaluated, from which 17 different brands and 44 unique self-tanning products were analyzed. The ingredients in each self-tanning product were compared with 80 and 36 notable contact allergens taken from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and Food and Drug Administration–approved T.R.U.E (Thin-Layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Patch Test), respectively. Results: We found that contact allergens are frequently present in self-tanning products; allergens especially common are propylene glycol, linalool, polysorbate, d-limonene, benzyl alcohol, tocopherol (vitamin E), fragrances, and other scented botanicals. On average, each self-tanner we analyzed contained 11.86 allergens. Limitations: The limitation is that commercial names could not be eliminated from the analysis, introducing potential bias. Conclusion: While self-tanning products are a safer alternative to tanning bed use or sunbathing, consumers and clinicians alike must be aware that they may cause an allergic reaction of the skin for some users.

Tanning bed use in Germany between 2015 and 2022: Representative data of 28,000 individuals on indoor tanning, risk awareness and reasons for use.

Tanning beds were classified as first-group carcinogens in 2009. Nonetheless, research shows that people in industrialized Western countries use tanning beds. Based on the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM) including representative data on 28,000 individuals from Germany, we quantified the prevalence as a trend from 2015 to 2022, identified determinants of tanning bed use and analysed risk awareness and reasons for use. We used NCAM data from 2015 to 2022 to analyse the trends in the prevalence of tanning bed use (n = 28,000). To determine the characteristics of tanning bed users, risk awareness and reasons, we combined data from the waves 2019 to 2022 (n = 16,000, 49.2% female, 16-65 years) in a pooled dataset to have sufficient power to detect even smaller associations. Tanning bed use decreased to 5.1% in 2022. The use of tanning beds in spas, fitness and beauty facilities increased, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the use in tanning salons decreased. Typical tanning bed users were female, middle-aged, occupied, higher educated, had an immigrant background and were former or current smokers. Risk awareness was the lowest among the current users. The most frequently mentioned reasons were relaxation, enhancement of attractiveness and pre-tanning. Our nationwide representative data showed that the prevalence of indoor tanning has decreased. Of concern are the lower risk awareness among current users and the shift in place of use towards facilities associated with health and wellness. To further reduce the use of tanning beds, targeted information, educational campaigns and extended legislation are considered helpful.

Skin Cancer Awareness and Knowledge About Sun Protection Practices in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Patient Survey Study.

Adequate sun protection practices in chronically immunosuppressed patients can minimize the burden of the most common type of skin cancer in this population. In addition, early recognition of skin cancer by patients can lead to decreased morbidity, and possibly mortality from the disease. Nevertheless, there are significant gaps in the knowledge of sun protection measures and early recognition of skin cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) for developing skin cancer and their sun exposure education and behavior post-transplantation. This study evaluates the responses of 107 SOTRs on their outlooks and beliefs of sunscreen usage, skin cancer, and sun exposure knowledge. Our study identified several significant risk factors for the development of actinic keratosis or keratinocyte carcinoma in SOTRs including history of sunburn before age 18, blue eyes, history of tanning bed use, performing monthly skin exams, ability to identify precancerous skin lesions, and history of previous skin examinations. A patient-centered approach needs to be used to properly educate patients on effective ways to reduce excessive sun exposure. Regular skin examinations, and patients continued education are necessary components in reducing the burden of skin cancer in SOTRs.

PA02 A teenager with a bleeding neck nodule

Abstract A 14-year-old boy was referred to dermatology with a new bleeding lesion on his right neck that had grown rapidly. There was no preceding history of trauma. Physical examination revealed a discrete eroded pink nodule measuring 10 × 9 mm on his right neck. Dermoscopic examination showed a central area of ulceration, with polymorphous vessels, white lines and multiple shades of pink and milky-white areas. This was excised. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ulcerated superficial spreading malignant melanoma with a Breslow thickness of 4.8 mm (pT4b). BRAF v600e mutation was present. Initial staging with sentinel lymph node biopsy and whole-body positron emission tomography/­computed tomography were clear, but 6 months after presentation, he developed right-sided cervical lymphadenopathy and a parotid mass that was confirmed to be metastatic disease. Following a right parotidectomy and neck dissection, he was commenced on adjuvant treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib. He remains under close follow-up. Less than 1% of all melanomas are diagnosed in patients younger than 20 years of age. Most paediatric cases occur in adolescence (between 15 and 19 years of age). The majority arise sporadically. Risk factors for melanoma in childhood include giant congenital melanocytic naevi, personal history of malignancy, family history of melanoma, multiple (> 50) melanocytic naevi, history of sunburn or tanning-bed use, immunosuppression or genodermatoses (e.g. xeroderma pigmentosum). Most clinicians are familiar with the ‘ABCDE’ tool (asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variegation, diameter > 6 mm, evolution) used to help with the recognition of melanomas; however, melanoma in children often presents in an atypical fashion. Paediatric melanomas often lack pigment (amelanotic) and are nodular, and so may be misdiagnosed. Because of this, diagnosis may be delayed and patients often present with thicker tumours and lymph node involvement. To facilitate earlier diagnosis, modified ABCD detection criteria have been proposed for paediatric melanoma (amelanosis, bleeding/bump, colour uniformity, de novo development) that can be used in conjunction with the established ABCDE approach. The CUP criteria have also been described (colour that is pink/red/changing, ulceration/upward thickness, pyogenic granuloma-like lesions/pop-up of new lesions). Evolution remains an important point to consider when suspecting melanoma in patients of any age. Management and staging of paediatric melanoma is adopted from the American Joint Committee on Cancer melanoma staging system guidelines for adult melanoma. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for the management of melanoma in children. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be considered with ulceration or a Breslow thickness of > 0.75 mm. Patients with stage III and IV melanoma should be considered for adjuvant immunotherapy. All patients with melanoma should be followed-up with regular skin examinations.

A Social Media–Based Public Health Campaign to Reduce Indoor Tanning in High-Risk Populations

Indoor tanning beds cause more than 450,000 new skin cancers each year, yet their use remains common, with a global indoor tanning prevalence of 10.4%. Social media provides an opportunity for cost-effective, targeted public health messaging. We sought to direct Instagram users at high risk of indoor tanning to accurate health information about the risks of indoor tanning and to reduce indoor tanning bed use. We disseminated a public health campaign on Instagram on April 6-27, 2022 with 34 video and still-image advertisements. We had 2 target audiences at high risk of indoor tanning: women aged 18-30 years in Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio, or Tennessee interested in indoor tanning and men aged 18-45 years in California interested in indoor tanning. To evaluate the impact of the campaign, we tracked online metrics, including website visits, and conducted an interrupted time-series analysis of foot traffic data in our target states for all tanning salons documented on SafeGraph from January 1, 2018 to 3 months after the campaign. Our indoor tanning health information advertisements appeared on Instagram feeds 9.1 million times, reaching 1.06 million individuals. We received 7,004 views of our indoor tanning health information landing page (Average Time on Page of 56 seconds). We did not identify a significant impact on foot traffic data on tanning salons. We show the successful use of social media advertising to direct high-risk groups to online health information about indoor tanning. Future research quantifying tanning visits before and after indoor tanning interventions is needed to guide future public health efforts.

Genetic Factors Associated with Absolute and Relative Plasma Concentrations of Calcitriol.

Little is known regarding factors associated with calcitriol and a relative measure of calcitriol, the calcitriol-24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-calcifediol proportion ratio (C24CPR). Using a cross-sectional study design, healthy young adults of African and European descent, matched (1:1) on age (±5 years) provided a blood sample in non-summer months (N = 376). Vitamin D metabolites were measured in plasma with HPLC/MS-MS. West African genetic ancestry proportion (WGA) was estimated using STRUCTURE modeling of genetic ancestry-informative markers. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate the association of WGA and vitamin D-pathway gene variants with calcitriol and C24CPR, controlling for days from summer solstice, age, sex, blood pressure, body mass index, dietary vitamin D intake, oral contraceptive/medroxyprogesterone acetate use, smoking, tanning bed use, and time of day. Calcitriol and C24CPR were not highly correlated (rho = 0.14), although both were significantly, positively, and monotonically associated with WGA (Ptrend 0.025 and <0.001, respectively). In fully adjusted models, genetic factors explained a greater proportion of variability in C24CPR (R2 = 0.121 and 0.310, respectively). Variants in genes with associated with calcitriol (CALB1, CYP27B1, GC, and PPARGC1A) differed from those associated with C24CPR (CYP3A43, FGF23, KL, and VDR). Both absolute and relative measures of calcitriol were significantly higher among African Americans. Otherwise, these biomarkers appear to be genetically distinct. C24CPR may be better suited to personalized medicine, due to a higher proportion of population variability explained by genetic variation and a less skewed distribution.

Demographic and behavioural correlates of energy drink consumption.

Energy drinks are consumed for a variety of reasons, including to boost mental alertness and energy. We assessed associations between demographic factors and various high-risky behaviours with energy drink consumption as they may be linked to adverse health events. We conducted cross-sectional analysis including basic descriptive and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to characterise demographic and behavioural factors (including diet quality, binge drinking and illicit drug use, among others obtained via questionnaires) in relation to energy drink consumption. We used data from two large US-based cohorts. 46 390 participants from Nurses' Health Study 3 (NHS3, n 37 302; ages 16-31) and Growing Up Today Study (GUTS, n 9088, ages 20-55). Of the 46 390 participants, 13·2 % reported consuming ≥ 1 energy drink every month. Several risky behaviours were associated with energy drink use, including illegal drug use (pooled OR, pOR: 1·45, 95 % CI: 1·16, 1·81), marijuana use (pOR: 1·49, 95 % CI: 1·28, 1·73), smoking (pOR: 1·88. 95 % CI: 1·55, 2·29), tanning bed use (pOR: 2·31, 95 % CI: 1·96, 2·72) and binge drinking (pOR: 2·53, 95 % CI: 2·09, 3·07). Other factors, such as high BMI, e-cigarette use and poor diet quality were found to be significantly associated with higher energy drink consumption (P values < 0·001). Our findings show that energy drink consumption and high-risk behaviours may be related, which could potentially serve as not only as a talking point for providers to address in outreach and communications with patients, but also a warning sign for medical and other health practitioners.

The Association of Skin Cancer Prevention Knowledge, Sun-Protective Attitudes, and Sun-Protective Behaviors in a Navy Population.

U.S. Navy service members are primarily between the ages of 18 and 30 years and often required to be outside for extended periods of time in geographical locations with increased and often unfamiliar ultraviolet indexes that collectively increase their risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the country's most common form of cancer, yet there is a paucity of skin cancer prevention literature, especially within the U.S. Navy. The purpose of this study was to describe skin cancer risk and skin cancer prevention "cues-to-action" and to determine if skin cancer prevention knowledge was associated with sun-protective attitudes (e.g., prevention perceptions, benefits, threats, barriers, and sun-protective behavior self-efficacy) and sun-protective behaviors (e.g., wearing long sleeve shirts and using sunscreen and not deliberately exposing skin for a tan) in a Navy population. A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design was utilized, and the study approval was obtained by the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Institutional Review Board. Two-hundred twenty-nine active duty Navy service members aged 18-30 years who presented to primary care for their periodic health assessment completed the Brief Skin Cancer Risk Assessment and the Skin Cancer Survey. Descriptive statistics were utilized to assess service members' perceptions and knowledge regarding skin cancer prevention along with sociodemographic characteristics. The Spearman rank-order correlation and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to assess associations. P-values <.05 were used to determine statistical significance. Skin cancer prevention knowledge was significantly related to sun-protective behavior self-efficacy (r = 0.218, P = .001), benefits (r = 0.271, P ≤ .001), sun protection behaviors (r = 0.152, P = .024), skin cancer risk (r = 0.256, P = .001), current frequency of high-risk sun behavior (r = 0.183, P = .006), past frequency of high-risk sun behavior (r = 0.219, P = .001), sun exposure (U = 4,813.50, P = .005), tanning bed use (U = 3,154.50, P = .031), and training (U = 4,099.50, P = .005). Integrating skin cancer education into primary care visits (i.e., periodic health assessments) may improve Navy service members' modifiable sun-protective attitudes and behaviors and may contribute to lowering future skin cancer rates.

Nationwide Analysis on Intentional Indoor and Outdoor Tanning: Prevalence and Correlates.

Outdoor and indoor tanning are considered as risk factors for the development of skin cancer. The aims of this nationwide representative study were to quantify both behaviors in a sample with a wide age range, to identify those showing both behaviors and to explore and compare determinants of both behaviors. We used data from the fifth wave (2019) of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM). We surveyed the representative sample including 4000 individuals, aged 16–65 years, living in Germany. Data were collected through telephone interviews. In addition to descriptive statistics, we used logistic regression analyses to identify determinants. The one-year-prevalence of tanning bed use was 7.5%, while 31.9% tanned (very) often intentionally outdoors in at least one situation (weekdays, holidays, and weekends). A total of 3.2% reported both risk behaviors. Regression analyses revealed that tanning bed use is associated with employment, an increased number of naevi, and lack of risk awareness. Intentional outdoor tanning was associated with male sex, younger age, past tobacco use, and low risk awareness of UV radiation. Our findings suggest that only a minority of subjects showed both risk behaviors. This implies that individuals seem to perform either one behavior or the other. In addition, the associated determinants differed between both behaviors, implying that specific preventive measures tailored to address to each tanning behavior are needed.

31243 Age requirements for regarding indoor UV tanning in Colorado

Women who have used indoor tanning beds are 6 times more likely to have a melanoma diagnosis in their twenties compared with the general population. Colorado state law currently lacks age restrictions on the use of tanning beds, and tanning salons have continued to defend the presence of self-implemented age requirements. This study assessed age requirements and consumer information provided regarding health risk and benefits to using tanning beds. 133 Colorado tanning salons across the state were called twice independently with telephone surveys (following Colorado IRB protocol 19-2195). Of the identified 133 tanning salons in the state of Colorado, 119 (90%) participated in this survey. Among salons surveyed, 28.3% of salons had no age requirement and 25.3% reported clients must be above 14 (age restrictions ranged from above 13 to above 18). When asked about benefits of UV tanning, 47.3% of salons stated that tanning beds can be used as a treatment for skin diseases, 35.7% reported mood improvement, 33.9% stated increased production of vitamin D, and 18.8% endorsed skin improvement and skin healing. Less than one third, 30.4%, of tanning salons indicated that UV tanning was a risk for skin cancer. Only 5.4% of tanning salons specified age requirements on their website and 83.1% of salon websites had marketing specifically to youth. Over 90% of Colorado tanning salon websites displayed misinformation detrimental to the health of their customers.

31243 Age requirements for regarding indoor UV tanning in Colorado

Women who have used indoor tanning beds are 6 times more likely to have a melanoma diagnosis in their twenties compared with the general population. Colorado state law currently lacks age restrictions on the use of tanning beds, and tanning salons have continued to defend the presence of self-implemented age requirements. This study assessed age requirements and consumer information provided regarding health risk and benefits to using tanning beds. 133 Colorado tanning salons across the state were called twice independently with telephone surveys (following Colorado IRB protocol 19-2195).

The Damaging Effects of Long UVA (UVA1) Rays: A Major Challenge to Preserve Skin Health and Integrity.

Within solar ultraviolet (UV) light, the longest UVA1 wavelengths, with significant and relatively constant levels all year round and large penetration properties, produce effects in all cutaneous layers. Their effects, mediated by numerous endogenous chromophores, primarily involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resulting oxidative stress is the major mode of action of UVA1, responsible for lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, DNA lesions and subsequent intracellular signaling cascades. These molecular changes lead to mutations, apoptosis, dermis remodeling, inflammatory reactions and abnormal immune responses. The altered biological functions contribute to clinical consequences such as hyperpigmentation, inflammation, photoimmunosuppression, sun allergies, photoaging and photocancers. Such harmful impacts have also been reported after the use of UVA1 phototherapy or tanning beds. Furthermore, other external aggressors, such as pollutants and visible light (Vis), were shown to induce independent, cumulative and synergistic effects with UVA1 rays. In this review, we synthetize the biological and clinical effects of UVA1 and the complementary effects of UVA1 with pollutants or Vis. The identified deleterious biological impact of UVA1 contributing to clinical consequences, combined with the predominance of UVA1 rays in solar UV radiation, constitute a solid rational for the need for a broad photoprotection, including UVA1 up to 400 nm.

Perceptions of Risk and Responses to Tanning Bed Warning Labels: A Pilot Study.

Tanning bed use has been linked to increases in skin cancer among young women. Although a causal relationship between ultraviolet radiation emitted by tanning beds and melanoma is well established, it is unclear if tanning bed users are aware of the risk and how they would respond to a warning message. Two hundred and ten women aged 16–29 who had used a tanning bed at least once in the last year were asked about their perceptions of risk and their responses to a warning label. Participants were already aware that tanning beds could cause cancer, but after viewing a warning label, most people said they would stop or reduce their tanning bed use. Reactions to a prototype warning label were encouraging and future research should pursue the possibility that current guidelines for tanning bed warning labels may need to be revised.

Tanning Bed Legislation for Minors: A Comprehensive International Comparison.

Tanning beds have been classified as carcinogenic to humans. As a result, many countries have enacted laws regulating the use of commercial tanning beds, including bans for minors. However, there is no international overview of the current legal status of access restrictions for minors that provides details on their specific design regarding age limits and possible exceptions to the statutory regulation. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive web search of current tanning bed legislation for minors on the three continents North America, Australia, and Europe. Our findings regarding the existence and concrete design of access restrictions are presented graphically, using maps. We found a wide variety of different legislations. In Australia, a total ban on tanning beds exists, while in New Zealand, tanning bed use is banned for minors. In Europe, about half of the countries have implemented a strict ban for minors. In North America, we found differences in the age limit for access restrictions between the states, provinces, and territories for those regions that implemented a ban for minors. In the United States, some states have rather “soft bans” that allow use by minors with different types of parental consent. The patchwork in legislation calls for harmonization. Therefore, our comparison is an important starting point for institutions such as the World Health Organization or the European Commission to advance their goals toward a harmonization of tanning bed legislation in general and for minors in particular.

Use of the multi-theory model (MTM) in explaining initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students.

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common cancer worldwide and a significant public health concern. A significant risk factor for melanoma is through increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through the use of indoor tanning beds. Although rates of indoor tanning bed use have decreased in recent years, young adults, particularly White, college-age women, comprise the majority of indoor tanning bed users in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from 254 college students who reported current indoor tanning use using a validated 46-item survey to assess demographics and the MTM constructs. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the ability of the MTM constructs to predict the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation. For initiation of indoor tanning cessation, participatory dialogue: advantages (B = 0.038, p = 0.001), behavioral confidence (B = 0.129, p < 0.001) and changes in the physical environment (B = 0.088, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with indoor tanning cessation following covariate adjustment. For sustenance, only emotional transformation (B = 0.140, p < 0.001) demonstrated a significant relationship with indoor tanning cessation, following adjustment. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies and clinical recommendations to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.