Prevalence and determinants of sunbed use in thirty European countries: data from the Euromelanoma skin cancer prevention campaign

Abstract

Background Although considered as a first‐group carcinogen, indoor tanning is a common practice in Europe. Euromelanoma is a pan‐European skin cancer prevention campaign. Objectives To compare several European countries in terms of the prevalence and determinants of sunbed use. Methods Participants in the Euromelanoma campaigns filled in questionnaires containing demographics and risk factors, including type/duration of sunbed use. Multivariate analyses adjusted for age, gender, education, skin type and year of survey were employed to assess factors independently associated with sunbed use in each country. Results In total, 227 888 individuals (67.4% females, median age 44, 63.4% highly educated, 71.9% skin types III–VI) from 30 countries participated. Overall, the prevalence of sunbed ever use was 10.6% (≤19‐year‐olds: 5.9%; 20 to 35‐year‐olds: 17.0%; >35‐year‐olds: 8.3%). Females displayed a higher prevalence than males in all countries. Balkan countries displayed the highest female/male ratios (≥4). Sunbed use was significantly more prevalent among skin type III–VI (14/30 countries) and highly educated participants (11/30 countries). Significant correlations were found between sunbed use prevalence and countries’ latitude (P < 0.001) and sunshine (P = 0.002); Italy and Spain represented exceptions towards excessive exposure. Very different prevalence rates were found for Spain (19.3%) and Portugal (2.0%). Scandinavian countries ranked highest in sunbed use among ≤19‐year‐olds, Baltic countries among 20 to 35‐year‐olds. Conclusions Sunbed use prevalence was higher in northern, sun‐deprived countries, with the exception of Italy and Spain. The main determinants of sunbed use were age (young adults) and gender (females), whereas education and skin type had a less relevant effect. Geographic particularities were found in four regions: Iberian (prevalence ten times higher in Spain than Portugal), Balkan (prevalence disproportionately higher among women), Baltic (highest prevalence among young adults) and Scandinavian (highest prevalence among adolescents). These data have public health relevance for future interventions aimed at reducing sunbed use in Europe.

Risk factors for early‐onset basal cell carcinomas and the trend towards their female predominance

“…Recently, the prevalence of sunbed use from 30 European countries has been reported [20]. An overall prevalence of 10.6 % was found, with 19.3 % in Spain, which is lower than the 39.1 % overall prevalence in our study.…”

Indoor tanning prevalence after the International Agency for Research on Cancer statement on carcinogenicity of artificial tanning devices: systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Past‐year prevalence of indoor tanning in Europe and North America was similar for both adolescents and adults. The Euromelanoma project recently published indoor tanning prevalences from 30 European countries with an estimated prevalence of ‘ever’ use of 10·6% among all age groups . Although this figure seems lower than our ‘ever’ indoor tanning prevalence of 16% for adolescents and 30% for adults (Table S2; see Supporting Information), direct comparisons are not possible as estimates by age group were not presented for the Euromelanoma project .…”

“…The Euromelanoma project recently published indoor tanning prevalences from 30 European countries with an estimated prevalence of 'ever' use of 10Á6% among all age groups. 32 Although this figure seems lower than our 'ever' indoor tanning prevalence of 16% for adolescents and 30% for adults (Table S2; see Supporting Information), direct comparisons are not possible as estimates by age group were not presented for the Euromelanoma project. 32 One of our most notable findings was that 85% fewer adolescents and 50% fewer adults tanned indoors in the last 12 months in countries that banned the use of indoor tanning for minors (all reports from 2012 onwards), compared with the 2007-2012 time period reported by Wehner et al, 11 when few countries had any legislation in place relating to the use of indoor tanning by minors ( Fig.…”

Research Interest and Public Interest in Melanoma: A Bibliometric and Google Trends Analysis

“…In addition to Australia, the Euromelanoma campaign also organized a yearly media campaign, which targets the public and focuses on different aspects of melanoma prevention. Euromelanoma Day has been held each year in May, both in university‐based and hospital‐based outpatient clinics and private dermatology surgeries ( 75 ). Patients and even the normal population can enhance their knowledge through these campaigns and become familiar with the latest research interest ( 76 ).…”