Overview
- A review of dermatology records comparing about 3,000 self-reported tanning bed users with roughly 3,000 non-users found an adjusted 2.85-fold higher melanoma risk (5.1% vs 2.1%).
- Single-cell DNA sequencing of 182 melanocytes showed nearly double the mutation burden in tanning bed users and a higher rate of melanoma-linked mutations.
- Mutations and cancers were more common on sun-shielded sites such as the lower back or buttocks, indicating broader skin-wide injury than typical sun exposure.
- Researchers reported users in their 30s and 40s carried mutation loads comparable to people in their 70s and 80s, signaling accelerated genetic aging.
- Authors urge bans for minors and stronger warnings, while industry groups question self-reported exposure and potential confounders; the study was published in Science Advances.