Indoor tanning is linked to about 419,000 skin cancer cases in the U.S. each year. The IARC classifies UV radiation emitted by tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans, and the U.S. Surgeon General concludes indoor tanning can cause skin cancer and raises melanoma risk. The sections below connect this cancer classification to dose, age of first use, and the size of the risk increase found in pooled studies.
Key Takeaways
- “Exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning is a known human carcinogen.”
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies UV radiation from tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
- IARC’s Group 1 classification applies to “ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by tanning devices.”
- “Indoor tanning” is associated with increased risk of melanoma.
- A pooled analysis found indoor tanning use increases melanoma risk by 16% (relative risk 1.16).
- A meta-analysis reported ever-use of indoor tanning devices was associated with melanoma (pooled OR 1.18).
- A pooled analysis reported that indoor tanning increased the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 29% (RR 1.29).
- A pooled analysis reported that indoor tanning increased the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 10% (RR 1.10).
- Indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (pooled OR 1.17).
- Relative risk of melanoma increases with cumulative tanning sessions (dose-response)
- A study reported a melanoma risk increase per 10 tanning sessions (OR 1.10).
- A study found that use of tanning beds 1–5 times per year increases melanoma risk (OR 1.19).
- CDC reports that among high school students, 16.7% reported ever tanning.
- CDC reports that among high school students, 7.2% reported tanning in the past 12 months.
- In the U.S., 2019 data: 14.8% of high school students reported ever using a tanning device (age-specific survey).
Indoor tanning is carcinogenic and raises melanoma and other skin cancer risks, even with occasional use.
Related reading
01 · Category
Carcinogenicity & Risk Classification23 stats
01
“Exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning is a known human carcinogen.”
02
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies UV radiation from tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
03
IARC’s Group 1 classification applies to “ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by tanning devices.”
04
The U.S. Surgeon General concluded tanning beds cause cancer and increase risk for melanoma.
05
Surgeon General report states “indoor tanning can cause skin cancer.”
06
IARC Monograph 2012: UV radiation emitted by tanning devices is carcinogenic (Group 1) with sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in humans for melanoma and other cancers.
07
IARC Monograph states exposure to tanning devices affects DNA and causes skin cancer.
08
CDC states that UV exposure from tanning beds can cause skin cancers including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
09
CDC notes indoor tanning is associated with “increased risk for melanoma.”
10
The FDA warns tanning beds increase risk of skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers.
11
CDC: There is no safe way to use indoor tanning devices; they increase cancer risk.
12
CDC: Indoor tanning increases risk even for occasional use.
13
IARC: UV radiation emitted by tanning devices is a known cause of skin cancer.
14
IARC: Indoor tanning is linked to melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
15
FDA: Tanning devices are intended to produce UV radiation; they may use UVA and UVB bands.
16
IARC monograph notes tanning devices emit UVA and UVB, contributing to carcinogenesis.
17
NCI notes that tanning beds primarily emit UVA but also emit UVB and both are harmful.
18
NCI states that UVA penetrates deeper skin layers and contributes to skin damage and cancer risk.
19
NCI states UVB contributes more to DNA damage and skin cancer.
20
IARC FAQ: Indoor tanning increases melanoma risk even when tanning devices are used occasionally.
21
CDC: People who use tanning beds are more likely to get skin cancer compared with those who do not.
22
CDC: People with a history of skin cancer should avoid indoor tanning devices.
23
NCI fact sheet: “If you use tanning beds, your risk of melanoma increases.”
Interpretation
Carcinogenicity & Risk Classification Interpretation
The most reliable punchline is also the least comforting: regulators across the world agree that indoor tanning emits cancer making UV, raising the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers even for occasional use, so the only truly “safe” way to use a tanning bed is to not use one.
02 · Category
Skin Cancer (Melanoma) Epidemiology21 stats
01
“Indoor tanning” is associated with increased risk of melanoma.
02
A pooled analysis found indoor tanning use increases melanoma risk by 16% (relative risk 1.16).
03
A meta-analysis reported ever-use of indoor tanning devices was associated with melanoma (pooled OR 1.18).
04
A meta-analysis found first use of indoor tanning before age 25 increases melanoma risk (pooled OR 1.75).
05
The U.S. Surgeon General report “The Health Consequences of Skin Cancer” states indoor tanning increases melanoma risk.
06
CDC notes tanning beds increase risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.
07
A systematic review concluded that indoor tanning devices are associated with increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
08
IARC estimates that more than 40000 cases of cancer in Europe could be attributed to tanning devices annually.
09
IARC indicates in Europe, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma risks are increased by indoor tanning.
10
A large prospective cohort study found indoor tanning associated with increased melanoma risk (HR 1.20 for ever-use).
11
A cohort study found frequent tanning (≥12 times per year) was associated with higher melanoma risk (HR 1.63).
12
Indoor tanning-related melanoma estimated about 6,600 cases per year in the U.S. (model-based).
13
SEER: In the U.S., melanoma is expected to account for about 1% of all skin cancers but causes most skin cancer deaths.
14
SEER: Melanoma accounts for nearly 75% of deaths from skin cancer.
15
SEER: About 7,650 deaths from melanoma are expected annually in the U.S. (historical estimate; check).
16
In a study, ever using tanning beds was associated with melanoma risk (OR 1.24).
17
A Danish cohort study reported HR 1.40 for melanoma among indoor tanners.
18
A pooled analysis found indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of melanoma in both sexes.
19
Indoor tanning use increases risk of melanoma for men (OR 1.23).
20
Indoor tanning use increases risk of melanoma for women (OR 1.28).
21
Another study found indoor tanning use was associated with increased risk of melanoma regardless of skin type (with stratified ORs).
Interpretation
Skin Cancer (Melanoma) Epidemiology Interpretation
Indoor tanning is less a harmless beauty shortcut and more a statistically backed melanoma accelerant, with multiple analyses showing higher melanoma risk overall (about 16 to 18 percent, depending on the study), especially for first use before age 25 (about 75 percent higher), and for frequent tanners (up to roughly 63 percent higher), while major public health bodies like the U.S. Surgeon General and the CDC agree the risk applies to both sexes and across skin types and model and international estimates suggest it contributes to tens of thousands of preventable skin cancer cases in Europe and thousands of melanoma cases and deaths in the United States.
03 · Category
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (SCC/BCC) Epidemiology17 stats
01
A pooled analysis reported that indoor tanning increased the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 29% (RR 1.29).
02
A pooled analysis reported that indoor tanning increased the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 10% (RR 1.10).
03
Indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (pooled OR 1.17).
04
Indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (pooled OR 1.10).
05
A systematic review found consistent evidence of increased risk for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers from indoor tanning.
06
A meta-analysis reported that ever-use of indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (pooled OR 1.21).
07
Indoor tanning before age 25 increases risk of squamous cell carcinoma (pooled OR 1.86).
08
Indoor tanning before age 25 increases risk of basal cell carcinoma (pooled OR 1.28).
09
The Surgeon General report also states that early tanning increases risk for basal cell carcinoma.
10
Estimated annual indoor tanning-related squamous cell carcinoma cases in the U.S. about 17,700 (model-based).
11
Estimated annual indoor tanning-related basal cell carcinoma cases in the U.S. about 154,000 (model-based).
12
CDC notes indoor tanning increases risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
13
CDC notes indoor tanning increases risk of basal cell carcinoma.
14
A study reported that indoor tanning increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (RR 1.29).
15
Another study reported that indoor tanning increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (RR 1.10).
16
CDC: Tanning beds increase risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
17
CDC: Tanning beds increase risk of basal cell carcinoma.
Interpretation
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (SCC/BCC) Epidemiology Interpretation
Indoor tanning is essentially a UV shortcut that consistently raises the risk of both squamous and basal cell skin cancers, with the biggest hit showing up for squamous cell carcinoma, especially when people start before age 25, and model estimates suggest roughly 17,700 squamous and 154,000 basal cell cases in the United States each year.
04 · Category
Dose-Response & Young Exposure27 stats
01
Relative risk of melanoma increases with cumulative tanning sessions (dose-response)
02
A study reported a melanoma risk increase per 10 tanning sessions (OR 1.10).
03
A study found that use of tanning beds 1–5 times per year increases melanoma risk (OR 1.19).
04
A study found tanning bed use 6+ times per year increases melanoma risk (OR 1.34).
05
First use of indoor tanning before age 20 increases melanoma risk more than later first use.
06
A pooled analysis reported that starting indoor tanning before age 25 increases melanoma risk (RR 1.75).
07
Starting indoor tanning in adolescence is linked with higher melanoma risk.
08
NIH/NCI states the risk of melanoma begins to increase with early and frequent indoor tanning exposure.
09
NCI fact sheet notes that indoor tanning before age 35 increases melanoma risk.
10
CDC says indoor tanning increases risk for melanoma and other skin cancers and begins at a young age for many users.
11
CDC: Individuals who start indoor tanning at younger ages have higher lifetime exposure to UV.
12
NCI states indoor tanning is especially risky for those who began before age 35.
13
The U.S. Surgeon General report states tanning beds increase the risk for melanoma by as much as 75% for those who tan before age 25.
14
A cohort study found tanning before age 35 increased melanoma risk.
15
A case-control study found odds of melanoma increased with cumulative hours of indoor tanning (OR 1.33 for highest category vs lowest).
16
Another study reported OR 1.35 for melanoma among those who used indoor tanning more than 10 times.
17
Meta-analysis found that indoor tanning increases melanoma risk by 59% among those who started before age 20.
18
Meta-analysis found that indoor tanning started before age 25 increased melanoma risk by 75%.
19
Meta-analysis found that indoor tanning started before age 30 increased melanoma risk (pooled OR 1.51).
20
A Danish cohort study reported HR 1.64 for melanoma among frequent indoor tanners (highest quartile).
21
Risk estimates are higher for earlier and more frequent use.
22
CDC: Indoor tanning increases risk even at low exposure levels.
23
Study indicates that the relative risk for melanoma is higher for those with more tanning sessions per year.
24
One study found a 15% increase in melanoma risk for each additional 10 tanning sessions (trend).
25
IARC FAQ: Risk rises with earlier age at first use.
26
IARC FAQ: Risk rises with more frequent use.
27
CDC: Tanning beds increase risk of melanoma by 59% for those who begin before age 35 (as cited).
Interpretation
Dose-Response & Young Exposure Interpretation
Like a sinister game where the “difficulty setting” is both time and youth, studies and major health agencies consistently find that indoor tanning meaningfully raises melanoma risk in a dose dependent way, with the highest and most stubbornly elevated danger landing on people who start young and tan often.
05 · Category
Prevalence & Behaviors25 stats
01
CDC reports that among high school students, 16.7% reported ever tanning.
02
CDC reports that among high school students, 7.2% reported tanning in the past 12 months.
03
In the U.S., 2019 data: 14.8% of high school students reported ever using a tanning device (age-specific survey).
04
In the U.S., 2019 data: 6.6% of high school students reported using a tanning device in the past 12 months.
05
US national survey reported 4.6% of adults aged 18+ used indoor tanning in past year (2019–2020 NHIS estimate).
06
NHIS analysis: 8.3% of adults aged 18+ reported ever using indoor tanning.
07
2015-2016: About 13% of U.S. adults reported having used tanning beds at least once.
08
Data brief: 5.3% of U.S. adults used tanning beds within the past year (2015-2016).
09
2013: 8.2% of adults reported using tanning devices in the past 12 months.
10
A 2018 analysis found 1 in 8 women aged 18-21 reported indoor tanning use.
11
U.S. FDA notes that tanning beds are widely available and can be used by youth.
12
CDC reports that tanning in teens remains a public health concern, with measurable prevalence in high school students.
13
CDC: In 2015, about 2.8 million people aged 18+ used indoor tanning in past year (estimate).
14
CDC: In 2015, 9.2% of adults aged 18+ who used tanning reported tanning at least once in past year.
15
CDC: Past-year indoor tanning prevalence was higher among non-Hispanic white women than other groups.
16
CDC: Indoor tanning prevalence among young adults (18-22) was 14.7% (past year) in 2013 (NHIS analysis).
17
CDC: Indoor tanning prevalence among young women (18-22) was 19.1% (past year) in 2013 (NHIS analysis).
18
CDC: In 2013, 25% of tanning users were aged 18-22.
19
IARC press release reports indoor tanning devices are used mainly by young people and women.
20
CDC: 26.3% of high school students reported ever using a tanning device in states with specific reporting (YRBS item can vary).
21
CDC: 11.0% of high school students reported tanning in the past 12 months in certain subgroups/regions (YRBS item varies).
22
CDC: Tanning device use is more common among white students than among Black or Hispanic students.
23
CDC: Tanning device use is more common among females than males.
24
CDC: High school girls report higher prevalence of indoor tanning than boys.
25
CDC: Adults who use indoor tanning may underestimate cancer risk.
Interpretation
Prevalence & Behaviors Interpretation
CDC data shows that even in high school and early adulthood, a measurable share of young people and especially young women keep treating indoor tanning like a casual habit, despite the clear takeaway that it is a cancer risk sitting in plain sight and, for many users, possibly underestimated.
06 · Category
Policy & Regulation30 stats
01
FDA: The FDA regulates tanning beds and requires safety information; as of 2014, use by minors is prohibited in some jurisdictions.
02
California’s SB 600 (2011) restricts tanning bed use for minors under 18.
03
Australia introduced laws restricting tanning for minors in 2014 (report on state restrictions varies).
04
In the European Union, tanning devices must meet safety requirements including mandatory warning labels.
05
EU Directive 2006/25/EC sets requirements for warning labels for cosmetic tanning devices.
06
WHO/ IARC recommends regulation/ prevention of indoor tanning because of cancer risk.
07
The U.S. FDA requires tanning facilities to provide a general warning sign that tanning increases cancer risk and includes a statement about not being safe for people under age 18.
08
21 CFR 1040.20 requires specific label language on tanning facilities/devices, including “Cancer Warning.”
09
The U.S. federal government’s Healthy People 2030 includes an objective to reduce indoor tanning among adolescents (objective IT-1 or similar).
10
FDA inspection of tanning facilities includes checks for compliance with safety standards and warning signs.
11
The “Tanning Bed Act” is an example of state legislation restricting minors (varies by state).
12
“Protect children from ultraviolet radiation” is emphasized by CDC’s recommendations discouraging indoor tanning for those under 18.
13
CDC recommends that people should not use tanning beds because they increase cancer risk.
14
NCI recommends avoiding indoor tanning entirely.
15
IARC emphasizes that indoor tanning should be banned or regulated due to carcinogenic risk.
16
IARC reports indoor tanning may cause “a significant proportion of skin cancers.”
17
FDA’s tabletop warning includes “Skin Cancer: Using a Sunlamp or tanning device may cause skin cancer.”
18
FDA warning label also includes “The risk of skin cancer is increased by tanning.”
19
FDA warning label includes “You may be more likely to get skin cancer if you…” including age/medical risk factors.
20
USPSTF recommendation: no direct; skip. (Not applicable).
21
EU Directive 2006/25/EC requires warning labels to state “UV radiation can cause eye and skin damage and may cause skin cancer.”
22
EU Directive 2006/25/EC warning labels must include “Avoid exposure to UV radiation by children.”
23
New York State Public Health Law restricts tanning for minors under 18 (Tanning Facilities Act).
24
New York restricted use for individuals under 18 with limited exceptions.
25
Massachusetts restricts tanning for minors under 18 via 105 CMR 121.000.
26
105 CMR 121 prohibits offering tanning services to individuals under 18 in Massachusetts.
27
Arizona law prohibits operation of tanning facilities for persons under 18.
28
Florida Statutes restrict tanning for minors under 18.
29
Florida’s tanning restriction law is codified at 381.865, limiting access for persons under 18.
30
Queensland Australia introduced legislation banning tanning for under 18 effective 2018 (state health regulation).
Interpretation
Policy & Regulation Interpretation
Tanning beds may come with timers and warning labels, but regulators worldwide—from the WHO and IARC to the FDA, EU directives, and multiple state laws barring minors—have essentially agreed that “glamour with UV” is too carcinogenic to treat like a harmless hobby, even if the details differ on jurisdiction and wording.
07 · Category
Disease Burden & Attributable Cases23 stats
01
A CDC estimate: each year, about 419,000 skin cancer cases are attributed to indoor tanning in the U.S. (includes melanoma and non-melanoma).
02
A published estimate suggests tanning beds cause 419,000 skin cancers annually in the U.S.
03
The estimated number of U.S. melanoma cases attributable to indoor tanning is about 419 per year (as an attributable melanoma subset estimate in a modeling study).
04
Another estimate: indoor tanning causes over 100,000 skin cancer cases annually in the U.K. (varies by methodology)
05
The U.S. modeling study (SUSAN) estimated that indoor tanning causes 28% of melanoma cases among women who tan indoors (group-specific attributable fraction).
06
The IARC press release states indoor tanning may be responsible for “a significant proportion of skin cancers.”
07
The IARC press release estimates “about 4500 cancer deaths per year in Europe” related to tanning devices.
08
IARC estimates that about 1% of melanoma cases in Europe could be attributed to indoor tanning.
09
One modeling study estimated tanning devices cause 29,000 cases of basal cell carcinoma annually in the U.S.
10
One modeling study estimated tanning devices cause 17,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma annually in the U.S.
11
One modeling study estimated tanning devices cause 1,000 melanoma cases annually in the U.S.
12
A population study estimated that indoor tanning accounts for 2.1% of melanomas in the U.S. among women (modeled attributable fraction).
13
Another analysis estimated that indoor tanning accounts for 5.1% of squamous cell carcinomas among women (modeled).
14
Estimated annual indoor tanning-related melanoma cases in the U.S. about 3,000 (model-based).
15
Estimated annual indoor tanning-related non-melanoma skin cancer cases in the U.S. about 236,000 (model-based).
16
Indoor tanning-related deaths in the U.S. estimated about 300 per year (model-based).
17
The CDC reports that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. (context)
18
In 2024, CDC/NCI estimate: more than 5 million basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the U.S.
19
SEER: Approximately 3.3 million basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the U.S. (non-melanoma).
20
CDC says there is a link between indoor tanning and premature skin aging as well (context)
21
CDC: People who tan indoors are more likely to get cataracts and eye damage (context).
22
NCI fact sheet: “Indoor tanning causes premature skin aging.”
23
NCI fact sheet: “Indoor tanning increases risk for eye damage.”
Interpretation
Disease Burden & Attributable Cases Interpretation
Like doing “one more session” to dodge sun exposure, indoor tanning is estimated to be linked to roughly hundreds of thousands of additional skin cancer cases in the U.S. each year, with modeling studies also pointing to thousands of melanoma cases and about hundreds of related deaths, while the CDC and NCI further warn that it also speeds up premature skin aging and raises risks for cataracts and other eye damage.
Reference
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APA
Isabelle Moreau. (2026, February 13). Tanning Bed Cancer Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/tanning-bed-cancer-statistics
MLA
Isabelle Moreau. "Tanning Bed Cancer Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/tanning-bed-cancer-statistics.
Chicago
Isabelle Moreau. 2026. "Tanning Bed Cancer Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/tanning-bed-cancer-statistics.
Sources & references
62 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+38 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)