Tanning bed use and melanoma: Establishing risk and improving prevention interventions☆

PURPOSE Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from indoor tanning devices is thought to cause melanoma and other negative health consequences. Despite these findings, the practice of indoor tanning in the United States remains prevalent. In this paper we aim to present a clear discussion of the relationship between indoor tanning and melanoma risk, and to identify potential strategies for effective melanoma prevention by addressing indoor tanning device use. BASIC PROCEDURES We reviewed relevant literature on the risks of indoor tanning, current indoor tanning legislation, and trends in indoor tanning and melanoma incidence. Study was conducted at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA between the years of 2014 and 2015. MAIN FINDINGS Our findings reaffirm the relationship between indoor tanning and melanoma risk, and suggest a widespread public misunderstanding of the negative effects of indoor tanning. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS This review argues for an aggressive initiative to reduce indoor tanning in the United States, to design prevention efforts tailored towards specific high risk groups, and the need to better inform the public of the risks of indoor tanning.