Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Hope Ballentine

Committee Member

Dr. Abigail Schmitt

Abstract

Background: Indoor tanning exposes individuals to artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation through devices such as tanning beds and sunlamps, increasing the risk of skin damage and malignancy. Prior research suggests associations between indoor tanning and melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with potential variation based on age of initiation and cumulative exposure.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to examine the association between indoor tanning and skin cancer risk, with a focus on age at first exposure, frequency, and duration of tanning bed use across melanoma, BCC, and SCC outcomes.

Methodology: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Boolean search terms included combinations of “skin cancer,” “melanoma,” “carcinoma,” “indoor tanning,” “tanning beds,” and “sun exposure.” Inclusion criteria consisted of primary, peer-reviewed studies involving human subjects and UV-related cancer outcomes. Exclusion criteria included secondary reviews and studies not directly examining UV-induced skin cancer. A total of 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Study designs included case-control and cohort studies, with outcomes measured using odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) to assess associations between tanning exposure and cancer risk.

Results: Across studies, indoor tanning was consistently associated with an increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Several studies reported significant associations between tanning bed use and melanoma, with odds ratios ranging from approximately 1.2 to 3.22, particularly among younger individuals and frequent users. Non-melanoma outcomes also demonstrated elevated risk, with increased hazard ratios for BCC and SCC in individuals with higher cumulative UV exposure. Dose–response relationships were observed, indicating that greater frequency, longer duration, and earlier age at initiation were associated with higher cancer risk. Some inconsistencies were noted across study designs, with cohort studies occasionally reporting weaker associations compared to case-control studies.

Discussion/Conclusion: Overall, the literature supports a positive association between indoor tanning and increased risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Early initiation and higher cumulative exposure appear to be key contributing factors. Variability in findings may be attributed to differences in study design and exposure measurement. These findings highlight the importance of patient education and public health interventions aimed at reducing indoor tanning behaviors, especially among adolescents and young adults. Increased awareness and preventative strategies are critical to reducing long-term skin cancer risk.

Keywords

indoor tanning; tanning bed; skin cancer; dermatology; melanoma; carcinoma

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