title: Tanning bed exposure increases the risk of malignant melanoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epidemiologic studies have associated tanning bed exposure and cutaneous melanoma. The relationship between the extent of tanning bed exposure and the risk of melanoma has not been elucidated in detail.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys assessing the extent of tanning bed exposure and the history of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, were collected from academic dermatology clinic patients (n = 1518). Of these, 551 (36.3%) completed all components of the survey. The available medical records, including pathology reports (n = 501; 33%), were reviewed to confirm cases of skin cancer. Data on potential confounding factors, including indoor vs. outdoor occupation and leisure activities, Fitzpatrick skin type, history of blistering sunburn, use of sunscreen and sun protective clothing, history of phototherapy, and level of education, were assessed and compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the patients surveyed, 487 (32.1%) reported tanning bed exposure. Women aged 45 years or younger accounted for about 60% of all tanning bed users. Seventy-nine cases of malignant melanoma were reported, 22 in women aged 45 years or younger. In the entire cohort, the "ever-use" of tanning beds was found to be a significant risk factor for the development of melanoma [P < 0.05; odds ratio (OR), 1.64; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.01-2.67]. The risk was greater in women aged 45 years or younger (P < 0.05; OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.01-11.46). Patients with a history of melanoma were significantly more likely to report tanning bed sessions exceeding 20 min (P < 0.01; OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.48-6.82); this association was even stronger for women aged 45 years or younger (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.41-12.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study was subject to recall bias, included only patients at a midwestern academic practice, and had a relatively low response rate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exposure to tanning beds increases the risk of malignant melanoma, especially in women aged 45 years or younger. These findings reinforce the hazards of tanning bed exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ting
authors.forename: Kara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Natalie N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Cac
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Hobart W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Walling
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001505:Beauty Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*