Indoor tanners are much more likely than others to develop basal cell carcinoma before age 40; the risk is pronounced in young women.
The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), much like the incidence of melanoma, is rising in younger patients, especially women younger than 40. Investigators who hypothesized that a change in environmental or lifestyle exposure to ultraviolet light underlies this rise evaluated the association between indoor tanning and early-onset BCC.
At a single center, 376 patients younger than 40 with BCC and 390 controls without skin cancer were surveyed about their use of indoor tanning. Having ever engaged in indoor tanning was associated with a 69% increased risk for BCC; the risk was higher in women and for BCCs of the trunk and extremities. Risk increased further with greater number of years of tanning and greater number of burns.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)