Tanning bed use increases risk of early-onset basal cell carcinoma.

During the past 40 years the incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has risen markedly, especially in women under 40 years of age. This rise conincides with the increasing use of public tanning beds for cosmetic purposes. Estimates suggest that 40% of teens use a tanning bed regularly. In the first case-control study to examine BCC in those under 40, researchers found that tanning bed users were nearly 4 times as likely to have BCCs on the extremities and nearly 2 times on the trunk, compared to never-users. The risk grew stronger with more years of use.

PositiveTip: Ever used tanning beds? Be sure to have regular examinations for BCCs and melanomas.