Researchers find link between tanning bed use, sunburns and melanoma

Researchers find link between tanning bed use, sunburns and melanomaResearchers have found link between use of tanning bed and sunburns in childhood and adolescence to increased risk of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Dermatologists in Canada are advising people to start using sunscreen as they move to wearing summer cloths and their bodies are exposed to more sunlight. They found that women under the age of 40 were the most affected by the disease.

Dr. John Turner, a dermatologist at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario said, "Young people today associate tans with attractiveness, thanks to television shows and magazines that glorify the bronzed look, but the truth is that there is no such thing as a healthy tan."

The Canadian Cancer Society's unit in Ontario is set to discuss its recommendations on indoor tanning, which includes one asking young people under the age of 18 to restrict the use of indoor tanning equipment. The states of Nova Scotia and southern Vancouver Island already have such policies.

"In addition to UV exposure in adulthood, tanning bed use and sunburns in childhood and adolescence may contribute to melanoma development," the researchers said.

The recommendations have been published in April issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.