In September 2019 researchers from Sweden published the results of their study to assess the risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 29,460 women were included in the study. Information on the skin cancer risk factors was collected via questionnaires and then matched with the National Cancer Registry. Results showed that sunbed use, red and light blond hair, freckles and immunosuppressive medications were independent risk factors. A further analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship between sunbed use and the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, ie the higher the use of sunbeds the higher the risk of deveoping skin cancer. The researchers concluded that their findings supported the idea that immunosuppressed patients should receive dermatological follow-up appointments and that sunbeds shoud be banned to prevent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Christensen GB et al. Sunbed Use Increases Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk in Women: A Large-scale, Prospective Study in Sweden. Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Sep 1;99(10):878-883