Risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma in relation to use of sunbeds: further evidence for UV-A carcinogenicity.
(1/11)
In a population-based, matched, case-control study from southern Sweden of 571 patients with a first diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma and 913 healthy controls aged 16-80 years, the association between sunbed use and malignant melanoma was evaluated. A total of 250 (44%) cases and 372 (41%) controls reported ever having used sunbeds. A significantly elevated odds ratio for developing malignant melanoma after regular exposure to sunbeds was found, adjusted for hair colour, raised naevi, skin type and number of sunburns (odds ratio (OR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-2.7). A dose-response relationship between total number of sunbed uses and melanoma risk was only found up to the level of 250 times. The OR was higher in individuals younger than age 36 years (adjusted OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.3-49.5 for regular vs. never use). The association seemed to be true only for subjects with black/dark brown or light brown hair and among females. Lesions of the extremities showed the strongest association of increased risk with sunbed use. An increased risk was related to commercial exposure and to exposure during the winter. The results substantiate the hypothesis that exposure to sunbeds might increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. (+info)
Modeling tanning salon behavioral tendencies using appearance motivation, self-monitoring and the theory of planned behavior.
(2/11)
The constructs of appearance motivation and self-monitoring were added to the Theory of Planned Behavior in the prediction of tanning salon use in young people. The variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior proved effective at predicting tanning salon behavioral intentions and tendencies. Intentions and perceived behavioral control predicted tanning salon behavioral tendencies, while attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control predicted tanning salon behavioral intentions. Appearance motivation did not show any direct or interaction effects in the prediction of tanning salon behavioral intentions. It did, however, prove superior to health orientation in the prediction of tanning salon attitudes. Self-monitoring interacted with subjective norms in the prediction of tanning salon intentions, with high self-monitors showing stronger subjective norm-intention relationships than low self-monitors. These results imply that appearance-related interventions could prove efficacious in reducing young people's tanning salon behavioral tendencies. Furthermore, it may be important to consider individual's self-monitoring status when targeting skin cancer prevention information to young people. (+info)
Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
(3/11)
Use of artificial tanning devices that emit UV radiation, such as tanning lamps and tanning beds, has become increasingly popular in the United States. Although an excess risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers might be predicted from this exposure, little epidemiologic data exist. We conducted a population-based, case-control study that included 603 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) case patients, 293 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) case patients, and 540 control subjects. Study participants were interviewed in person to obtain information on tanning device use, sun exposure history, sun sensitivity, and other risk factors for skin cancer. Overall, any use of tanning devices was associated with odds ratios of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7 to 3.8) for SCC and 1.5 (95% CI = 1.1 to 2.1) for BCC. Adjustment for history of sunburns, sunbathing, and sun exposure did not affect our results. Our findings suggest that the use of tanning devices may contribute to the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers. They highlight the need to further evaluate the potential risks of BCC and SCC that are associated with tanning lamp exposure and the appropriate public health response. (+info)
Malignant melanoma: treatments emerging, but early detection is still key.
(4/11)
Although we are beginning to develop treatment options for malignant melanoma, earlier recognition of potential primary melanomas remains the most effective way to increase survival in this highly malignant disease. This article reviews prominent risk factors for melanoma, key physical findings in at-risk patients, new melanoma staging guidelines, and recent and emerging therapy options. (+info)
Determination of solar ultraviolet dose in the Dead Sea treatment of psoriasis.
(5/11)
BACKGROUND: An increased risk of developing cancer of the skin is the only potentially serious (albeit unproven) long-term side effect of heliotherapy and it is therefore prudent to avoid unnecessary exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Traditional heliotherapy for psoriasis at the Dead Sea calls for a sun exposure of 5-6 hours daily for 28 days. Studies have determined that mid-summer exposure for 3 hours is equally effective. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of 3 hours sun exposure daily in the heliotherapy of psoriasis at the Dead Sea during the months March to December; and to monitor the associated ambient doses of solar UVB radiation. METHODS: A total of 194 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis was treated in the months of March to December by 3 hours of sun exposure each day. The dose of ambient solar UVB was monitored by a Solar Model 501A UVB-Biometer. RESULTS: Three hours of sun exposure daily was therapeutically efficacious in all months from March to November, but not in December. The lowest effective cumulative UVB dose was 170 SED (standard erythema dose), recorded in March and November. CONCLUSIONS: Daily sun exposure for the heliotherapy of psoriasis at the Dead Sea can be reduced to at least 3 hours daily, about half the time originally recommended. (+info)
Can an hour or two of sun protection education keep the sunburn away? Evaluation of the Environmental Protection Agency's Sunwise School Program.
(6/11)
BACKGROUND: Melanoma incidence is rising at a rate faster than any other preventable cancer in the United States. Childhood exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases risk for skin cancer as an adult, thus starting positive sun protection habits early may be key to reducing the incidence of this disease. METHODS: The Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise School Program, a national environmental and health education program for sun safety of children in primary and secondary schools (grades K-8), was evaluated with surveys administered to participating students and faculty. RESULTS: Pretests (n = 5,625) and posttests (n = 5,028) were completed by students in 102 schools in 42 states. Significant improvement was noted for the three knowledge variables. Intentions to play in the shade increased from 68% to 75%(p < 0.001) with more modest changes in intentions to use sunscreen. Attitudes regarding healthiness of a tan also decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Brief, standardized sun protection education can be efficiently interwoven into existing school curricula, and result in improvements in knowledge and positive intentions for sun protection. (+info)
Risk perception, optimistic bias, and readiness to change sun related behaviour.
(7/11)
BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin cancer has had a rapid increase in Sweden during the last 20 years. Sun exposure is an important preventable risk factor for skin cancer. It is essential to develop interventions to change people's exposure to the sun. The perception of own susceptibility to harm is essential in theories about self-protective behaviour. The aim of the present paper was to examine the associations between different risk perceptions, sun-related behaviour, readiness to change, and optimism bias. METHOD: A total of 722 visitors of a mobile skin cancer screening unit answered a questionnaire in the summer of 2001. The campaign was conducted at five different locations in Sweden. RESULTS: The participants in this study seemed to have realistic believes about the contribution of solar radiation to the risk of developing skin cancer, however, they seriously underestimated skin cancer incidence in the population and the impact of skin cancer on general health. CONCLUSION: People concerned about skin cancer seem to be aware of the fact that sun exposure is an important risk factor for skin cancer, but they fail to use this information in a consistent way to formulate a judgment of their own vulnerability to harm. People need to be informed about the high incidence of skin cancer, the personal risk factors of skin cancer, and the fact that unintentional as well as intentional sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer. (+info)
Measuring the stringency of states' indoor tanning regulations: instrument development and outcomes.
(8/11)
OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe the development of an instrument to quantify the stringency of state indoor tanning legislation in the United States, and the instrument's psychometric properties. The instrument was then used to rate the stringency of state laws. METHODS: A 35-item instrument was developed. An overall stringency measure and 9 stringency subscales were developed, including one measuring minors' access to indoor tanning. Stringency measures showed good internal consistency and interrater reliability. RESULTS: In all, 55% of the 50 states and the District of Columbia had any indoor tanning law, and 41% had any law addressing minors' access. Oregon, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Rhode Island had high overall stringency scores, and Texas and New Hampshire were the most restrictive with regard to minors' access. LIMITATIONS: Measurement of actual enforcement of the laws was not included in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument appears to be an easy-to-use, reliable, and valid methodology. Application of the instrument to actual laws showed that, in general, state laws are relatively weak, although there was considerable variability by state. (+info)