Several studies have highlighted the health problems associated with use of tanning beds. Now, recent research presented at the International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research, has revealed that the risk of cancer significantly escalates with increased exposure to harmful rays from indoor tanning.

In the longitudinal study, researchers monitored the tanning habits of 73,000 individuals for twenty years. The study focused on the development of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the three most common types of skin cancer. Researchers found that the risk of developing cancer increased the more often an individual tanned indoors. In fact, using a tanning bed only four times a year can increase one’s risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by 15% and melanoma by 11%. The study results also highlighted that young people, ages 25-35, were particularly at risk for developing skin cancer.

About ten percent of the population use a tanning bed at least once a year, contributing heavily to the cases that make skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the United States. Tanning, especially indoors, is one of the easiest ways to damage skin cells. If you would like to know more about how to keep your skin healthy and beautiful, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.