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Sunbed use among subjects at high risk of melanoma: an I talian survey after the ban
Author(s) -
Stanganelli I.,
Gandini S.,
Magi S.,
Mazzoni L.,
Medri M.,
Agnoletti V.,
Lombi L.,
Falcini F.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.12384
Subject(s) - medicine , melanoma , dermatology , environmental health , demography , cancer research , sociology
Summary Background The World Health Organization classified the entire ultraviolet ( UV ) spectrum and artificial UV tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans. I talian law has prohibited the use of tanning equipment by children under 18 years of age and by high‐risk populations. Objectives The present large survey aimed to determine the prevalence of current sunbed use in Italy and to identify user characteristics. This study identifies starting points for future national interventions to reduce the health risks of exposure to artificial UV radiation. Methods In 2011 we conducted a survey of 4703 people in an area on the sunny M editerranean coast in Italy. Through multivariate logistic models we investigated the associations of sunbed use with phenotypical factors. Results Overall prevalence of sunbed use was 20%, higher among women (22% vs. 16%; P < 0·0001), and young (22% vs. 17% for age < 35 years; P < 0·0001) and highly educated people (22% vs. 14%; P < 0·0001). Subjects at high risk of melanoma used sunbeds significantly more; i.e. people with freckles (25% vs. 18%; P < 0·0001), red hair (30% vs. 19%; P = 0·01) or fair eyes (22% vs. 19%; P = 0·006). Associations were confirmed in multivariate models. Conclusions More skin cancer monitoring is needed at tanning centres, and educational campaigns should be promoted, especially for young women and subjects at high risk of melanoma.