Tanning beds tied to higher melanoma risk
A peer‑reviewed study led by Northwestern University and UCSF, published in Science Advances and reported Dec. 14, 2025, finds indoor tanning is associated with nearly triple the melanoma risk versus non‑users, with risk climbing to more than eightfold after 200+ sessions. Genomic sequencing showed widespread UV‑induced mutations across seemingly normal skin in predominantly younger female tanners, underscoring public‑health concerns as U.S. surveys show rising Gen Z interest in tanning.
📌 Key Facts
- Researchers compared nearly 3,000 tanning bed users to age‑matched controls and found ~3x higher melanoma risk overall.
- Dose–response: 10–50 sessions doubled risk; >200 sessions raised risk more than eightfold.
- Sequencing revealed 'two lifetimes' worth of UV mutations in women in their 30s–40s compared with general‑population individuals in their 70s–80s.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2019, the prevalence of indoor tanning among high school students was 8.4% for Non-Hispanic White females, compared to 0.5% for Hispanic females and 3.3% for Non-Hispanic Black females.
Indoor and Outdoor Tanning — Cancer Trends Progress Report
The age-adjusted incidence rate of melanoma for White individuals increased to 30.2 per 100,000 in recent years, which is more than 20 times higher than for Black individuals.
Trends in Melanoma Incidence, Prevalence, Stage at Diagnosis — PMC
Black patients are about three times more likely than White patients to die within five years of a skin cancer diagnosis, despite lower incidence rates. US population percentages: Non-Hispanic White ~59%, Black ~13%.