Tanning beds linked to DNA mutations, melanoma risk study finds
Northwestern Medicine and UCSF study shows indoor tanning triples melanoma risk and causes DNA mutations across the skin, prompting calls for stronger warnings and safer alternatives.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco finds indoor tanning bed use is associated with a nearly threefold increase in melanoma risk and with DNA mutations across large areas of the skin, not just in sun-exposed regions.
The study compared medical records of 3,000 regular indoor tanning users with 3,000 people who reported no history of indoor tanning. Melanoma was diagnosed in 5.1% of tanning-bed users and 2.1% of non-users, a near threefold difference. Researchers also found that sunless-tanning products were linked to melanoma in areas typically shielded from the sun, suggesting the risk extends beyond surface-level UV exposure.
Skin-sample testing showed nearly twice as many mutations in skin cells among users, with the mutations appearing across almost the entire surface of the skin rather than being confined to the most sun-damaged zones.
“In outdoor sun exposure, maybe 20% of your skin gets the most damage,” said study author and professor of skin cancer research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Dr. Pedram Gerami. “In tanning bed users, we saw those same dangerous mutations across almost the entire skin surface.”
Young people appear to be driving a resurgence of tanning trends. The American Academy of Dermatology recently found that about 20% of youths believe that being tan is more important than protecting themselves from skin cancer. The same body of research notes that cumulative visits to tanning salons are associated with increased skin-cancer risk: a 58% rise in squamous cell carcinoma and a 24% rise in basal cell carcinoma.
There are healthier ways to achieve a bronzed, beach-ready look. Sunless products, from mists and drops to oils and sprays, are popular alternatives that avoid UV exposure. While they offer cosmetic results, experts emphasize that they do not eliminate all skin health considerations and urge users to follow product instructions and practice sun protection for any remaining exposure.
Public-health experts say stronger warnings are warranted. “When you buy a pack of cigarettes, it says this may result in lung cancer,” said Dr. Gerami. “We should have a similar campaign with tanning bed usage.”
For anyone who frequented tanning beds in the past, dermatologists recommend a total-body skin examination to detect any new or changing lesions early and to assess overall skin health.
