CANCUN, Mexico — Knowledge doesn't necessarily mean power when it comes to tanning beds.
The results of a small British survey show that the majority of patients in a dermatology clinic who used tanning beds for purely cosmetic reasons were well acquainted with the risks.
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Ninety-four percent of the patients surveyed were aware of the link between tanning bed use and skin cancer, and even volunteered that they knew other risks, Dr. Tina Ninan said at Wonca 2010, the conference of the World Organization of Family Doctors. "Knowing the risks does not deter patients from engaging in this risky behavior," said Dr. Ninan, a general practice physician in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
She distributed some simple surveys to 102 patients waiting in a dermatology clinic at the University Hospital of North Durham. Most of the respondents (65%) were women, and most (60%) were older than 40 years.
Thirty-four patients admitted to using tanning beds. Most of these (27) were women, meaning that 42% of the women surveyed admitted to using the devices. But they weren't alone: 18% of the men surveyed also said they used tanning beds.
Most of the users (88%) said that they had started visiting tanning salons before they turned 35 years old—a period considered crucial in developing an increased risk of skin cancers. "More disturbingly, 58% said they began tanning at age 17-25, and 18% of the users started at younger than 16 years," Dr. Ninan said.
Although most reported occasional use, 38% of the tanners said they visited a tanning bed weekly. Most used tanning beds at their local beauty salon, but 9% said they had the devices at home. "Six percent also said they tanned at their gym. Having [tanning] beds at gyms and other health centers really sends a mixed message about their health benefits," Dr. Ninan said.
Coin-operated tanning beds were also popular among the group, with 16% reporting use. This trend is particularly disturbing, Dr. Ninan said, because it circumvents what little control there may be over exposure. And although the United Kingdom recently passed a law forbidding teens to use tanning beds, no one can prevent them from accessing the coin-operated types, she added. Additionally, there is no guarantee that unsupervised tanners use the correct eye protection.
Looking good was the main motivation for tanning. Most tanners (64%) said that they just like the look of tanned skin, although 14% said they were trying to treat a skin condition, including acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Seventeen percent of the tanners were getting ready for a beach vacation and thought a base tan would help protect them from sunburn. "Unfortunately, it's been shown that going away on vacation with a tan only offers an SPF of about 2-3," Dr. Ninan said.
The motivations for tanning were apparently stronger than worries about its risks.
Almost everyone (94%) was aware of the connection between tanning bed use and skin cancer. Respondents were also free to write in other risks they knew of— most frequently listed were wrinkles and eye damage.
Although she admitted that understanding risks won't necessarily change behavior, Dr. Ninan encouraged physicians to find "teachable moments" to educate their patients about tanning bed use. "For example, I frequently have patients asking me to check their moles. This is always the chance I take to ask about [tanning] bed use and its risks."
Dr. Ninan disclosed that she had no financial conflicts.