AI Insight
This study examined the relationship between state-level tanning bed availability and early-onset melanoma incidence in the United States from 2019-2023. Researchers found that in Midwest and Southern states, melanoma incidence rose from 8.7 to 14.8 cases per 100,000 population as tanning bed availability increased from the lowest to highest quintile, representing a 69% increase in incidence. This association was observed in both non-Hispanic White males and females across metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties, but was not found in Northeastern and Western states.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that policies targeting tanning bed availability in the Midwest and South could potentially reduce early-onset melanoma cases in high-risk populations. The geographic variation in this relationship indicates that regional factors and targeted interventions may be more effective than nationwide approaches.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Despite known carcinogenic properties, indoor tanning remains popular among young adults and may contribute to early-onset melanoma. Our study aims to compare early-onset melanoma incidence by state availability of tanning beds. We analyzed population-based melanoma incidence data (2019-2023) from the National Program of Cancer Registries and calculated Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) using verified state-level quintiles of tanning bed availability. Overall, in the Midwest/South regions, melanoma incidence increased with greater tanning-bed availability, from 8.7 cases per 100,000 population in Quintile 1 to 14.8 cases per 100,000 population in Quintile 5 (IRR = 1.69; CI = 1.65-1.74). No such relationship was found in the Northeast/West regions. In conclusion, we found that in Southern and Midwest states, increased availability of tanning beds was associated with higher early-onset melanoma in non-Hispanic White males and females, in both metro and non-metro counties. Policies which reduce tanning bed availability in high utilization regions may have potential to reduce early-onset melanoma.