Early-Onset Basal Cell Carcinoma and Indoor Tanning: A Population-Based Study
RESEARCH · June 23, 2014
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
- Epidemiological studies point to rising incidence rates of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly those diagnosed at younger ages, which may be linked to indoor tanning. This population-based case-control study from New Hampshire compared 657 BCC patients with 452 controls aged ≤50 years. Early-onset BCC was associated with indoor tanning (adjusted OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–2.1). The strength of the association progressively increased with decreasing age of first exposure.
- Early exposure to indoor tanning, including sunlamps, tanning beds, and tanning booths, increased the risk for early-onset BCC. The results emphasize the importance of counseling adolescents about the risks of indoor tanning.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE
Indoor tanning with UV radiation–emitting lamps is common among adolescents and young adults. Rising incidence rates of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) have been reported for the United States and elsewhere, particularly among those diagnosed at younger ages. Recent epidemiologic studies have raised concerns that indoor tanning may be contributing to early occurrence of BCC, and younger people may be especially vulnerable to cancer risk associated with this exposure. Therefore, we sought to address these issues in a population-based case–control study from New Hampshire.
METHODS
Data on indoor tanning were obtained on 657 cases of BCC and 452 controls ≤50 years of age.
RESULTS
Early-onset BCC was related to indoor tanning, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.1). The strongest association was observed for first exposure as an adolescent or young adult, with a 10% increase in the OR with each age younger at first exposure (OR per year of age ≤23 = 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.2). Associations were present for each type of device examined (ie, sunlamps, tanning beds, and tanning booths).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest early exposure to indoor tanning increases the risk of early development of BCC. They also underscore the importance of counseling adolescents and young adults about the risks of indoor tanning and for discouraging parents from consenting minors to this practice.
Pediatrics
Early-Onset Basal Cell Carcinoma and Indoor Tanning: A Population-Based Study
Pediatrics 2014 Jun 23;134(1)e4 -e12, MR Karagas, MS Zens, Z Li, TA Stukel, AE Perry, D Gilbert-Diamond, V Sayarath, RS Stephenson, D Barton, HH Nelson, SK Spencer