Oncologist warned about the increased risk of cancer in adolescents due to tanning beds

The trend towards artificial tanning is still not losing popularity among visitors to tanning salons. And not only in adult women and men, but also in adolescents, and this seriously worries oncologists. For a number of reasons, underage lovers of sunlight are at great risk of getting dangerous skin cancer along with tanning, Ilya Cherkasov, oncologist at SM Clinic, warned in a conversation with Izvestia.

"Minors, like adults, want to get the most positive emotions and relaxation from a tanning bed while UVB and UVA rays do their job. Due to the physiological characteristics of the young body, adolescents are more likely than adults to be at risk of developing skin cancer," Cherkasov said.

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The oncologist shared the statistics of studies conducted in European countries, Australia and the USA from 2016 to 2024. The results of the International Agency for Research on Cancer have forced the cancer community to reconsider its views on frequent visits to tanning salons by 13-17-year-olds. Experts note that staying in the solarium for 20 minutes at least twice a week for a year (more than 70 hours) It increases the risk of developing melanoma in adolescents by 22%, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin by 78%.

According to the doctor, ultraviolet burns pose a particular threat in adolescence. The skin of young people is most sensitive to the effects of artificial radiation, and getting first or second degree burns in fashionable tanning studios is far from uncommon. Even sunscreens with a high SPF factor cannot save you from this. After all, the higher the frequency of visits to the solarium, the higher the risk of damage to melanocytes and malignant degeneration of skin cells.

Another important aspect is related to the psychological dependence of minors on tanning. This condition is known in medical circles as "tanorexia." Dependence on artificial sunlight most often develops in adolescents living in regions with low solar activity. In Russia, for example, such regions include the Far East, the Murmansk Region and St. Petersburg.

Today, oncologists in many countries, including Russia, openly talk about serious problems for children's health associated with tanning beds. It is not for nothing that after numerous cases of melanoma and other skin cancers in the 13+ age group in Europe, and more recently in Russia, a ban was imposed on minors visiting tanning salons.

"It is very important to explain to the child in time what danger a visit to the solarium can hide, and why you should not pursue fashion trends. After all, the price of a momentary hobby is health, which can be lost from a young age. I advise young people to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on indoor sun exposure. And besides, do not forget about preventive examinations by dermatologists at least a couple of times a year: in spring and autumn," the oncologist recommended.

Earlier, on April 10, Basanov told Izvestia about products that reduce the risk of cancer. According to him, scientific studies confirm that some products contain substances capable of suppressing the growth of tumor cells and strengthening the immune system. The expert identified a group of products with antitumor properties.