Decreasing Skin Cancer Incidence Through Restrictions on Indoor Tanning
Posted: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Carolyn J. Heckman, PhD, of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and her colleagues published a call to action in JAMA Dermatology, asking dermatologists to play an active role in helping to eliminate indoor tanning. The viewpoint article highlights the dangers of indoor tanning, given its link to melanoma and keratinocyte cancers, especially among minors, and discusses policy adoption and implementation challenges.
“Together with [groups such as the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus], dermatologists can present a strong united front to advance toward elimination of indoor tanning and improving public health,” said the authors.
There have already been effective policies put in place that have helped to reduce indoor tanning. Specifically, restriction of minor access, reduction in harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure via protective eyewear and session duration limits, and state-level indoor tanning restrictions have all helped decrease the rate of indoor tanning among high school students. However, it has been estimated that further reductions on or elimination of indoor tanning among minors would prevent thousands of melanomas and melanoma-related deaths, in addition to preventing keratinocyte cancers.
Although several indoor tanning bills are introduced annually, few are passed. According to the authors, dermatologists and other healthcare professionals can help address these challenges by advocating for policy change and providing their expertise in skin cancer prevention. They can become aware of their state’s indoor tanning regulations and educate patients, family members, legislators, schools and universities, and beauty/fitness centers about indoor tanning risks. Furthermore, the authors continued, health-care professionals can share data about the risks of tanning while also providing clinical vignettes or patient testimonials about young indoor tanners who have been diagnosed with skin cancers.
Disclosure: For a full list of authors’ disclosures, visit jamanetwork.com.
