Do tanning beds increase the risk of cancer?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
The Link Between Tanning Beds and Increased Cancer Risk
Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer Risk
Increased Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Research consistently shows that the use of tanning beds significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A study involving 73,494 female nurses over 20 years found that frequent use of tanning beds during high school/college and ages 25 to 35 was associated with a higher risk of BCC and SCC. Specifically, the hazard ratio (HR) for BCC was 1.15, and for SCC, it was 1.15, indicating a clear dose-response relationship . Another study confirmed these findings, showing a significantly elevated risk of BCC among participants who used tanning beds more than six times per year during high school/college (HR 1.82) and at ages 25-35 (HR 1.35).
Melanoma Risk and Tanning Bed Use
The association between tanning bed use and melanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer, has also been well-documented. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies involving 14,956 melanoma cases found that ever using indoor tanning beds increased the odds of developing melanoma by 16% (OR 1.16). The risk was even higher for those who attended more than 10 tanning sessions (OR 1.34). This suggests that the frequency of tanning bed use is directly correlated with an increased risk of melanoma.
No Protective Effect Against Internal Cancers
While some proponents of tanning beds argue that they can increase vitamin D production and potentially reduce the risk of internal cancers, evidence does not support this claim. A large cohort study following 73,358 female nurses for 20 years found no association between tanning bed use and a reduced risk of internal cancers such as breast, thyroid, colorectal, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or endometrial cancer. The multivariable-adjusted HR for total cancers was 0.99, indicating no significant protective effect.
Public Health Implications and Recommendations
Decreasing Use and Increasing Awareness
Despite the clear evidence linking tanning beds to increased skin cancer risk, their use remains prevalent. In Germany, for instance, the use of tanning beds decreased from 11.0% in 2015 to 8.8% in 2018, but the decrease did not affect all subgroups equally. Alarmingly, there was an increase in use among minors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and education campaigns.
Regulatory Measures and Screening Recommendations
In response to the carcinogenic risks associated with tanning beds, regulatory measures have been implemented. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified UV lamps for tanning as moderate- to high-risk devices, recommending regular skin cancer evaluations for frequent users. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified UV radiation from tanning beds as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as asbestos and tobacco .
Conclusion
The evidence is unequivocal: tanning beds significantly increase the risk of skin cancers, including BCC, SCC, and melanoma. Despite some claims of health benefits, the risks far outweigh any potential advantages. Public health efforts should focus on reducing tanning bed use, particularly among vulnerable populations such as minors, and increasing awareness about the dangers of artificial UV radiation. Regulatory measures and routine skin cancer screenings for frequent users are essential steps in mitigating this preventable risk factor.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic