Tanning Beds Classified as Carcinogenic

A new report issued in July places tanning beds in the “highest cancer risk” category. The agency also reclassified all UV radiation as carcinogenic to humans, including UVA, UVB and UVC.

A review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that the risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, increases by 75 percent when use of tanning beds and sunlamps begins before 30 years of age. This high-risk tanning behavior, seen primarily in females, could explain the increasing melanoma rates for females 15-29 years old. 

"Indoor tanning is particularly troubling because it is unnecessary and is practiced mainly for cosmetic reasons. Individuals, particularly young people, who utilize tanning beds are intentionally putting their health at risk,” stated Dr. Pariser, President of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “We hope that this new classification will persuade individuals to stop using or avoid indoor tanning all together."

This year, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, exceeding the incidence of all other cancers combined. It is estimated that there will be about 121,840 new cases of melanoma in 2009. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Read the full report about tanning beds and cancer.