DO TANNING LAMPS CAUSE MELANOMA - AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASSESSMENT

Sun exposure is a known cause of melanoma, and there are several reaso ns for concern that tanning lamp use may also cause melanoma, especial ly because of the spectral output of the lamps,the similarity of tanni ng lamp use to natural sun exposure (particularly sunbathing), the rep orted association of melanoma with PUVA therapy, and the positive resu lts in several case-control studies of melanoma risk and tanning lamp use. We have reviewed the epidemiologic literature relevant to the rel ation between tanning lamp use and melanoma and have discussed methodo logic issues that should be considered in interpreting these reports a nd designing improved studies. Although several investigations have fo und a positive relation between tanning lamp use and melanoma, in some instances including dose-response or duration-response effects, the m ethodologic limitations preclude any firm conclusion regarding a causa tive relation. Meta-analysis of existing data may provide better infor mation, but several limitations could only be overcome by new studies collecting more precise exposure data. The popularity of tanning lamp use, especially in young persons, adds urgency to the quest for elucid ation of the relation between the use of these devices and melanoma ri sk.