In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released a review of data that alleged a link between melanoma and the use of tanning beds. The founder of Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center (SUNARC) – William B. Grant, Ph.D. – recently had a study published in the "Dermato-Endocrinology" peer-reviewed journal that challenges those findings.
Grant, who previously worked as an atmospheric research scientist for NASA, studied the same scientific data IARC had used. However, his conclusions rival those of IARC, thereby suggesting their findings were erroneous.
Two findings in the IARC study are often cited when contemplating tanning and various facets of health policy in America. One is the statement that a person’s melanoma risk is boosted by three-fourths if the person’s first exposure to UV light via a tanning unit occurred prior to the age of 35. The other claim alleges the melanoma risk goes up 15 percent with each tanning session.
Grant maintains that the study included data from skin type I individuals – those who are considered unable to tan because their complexion is so fair. When that population, which has the largest genetic risk associated with excessive UV exposure, is removed from the data – the statistical relevance between cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and sunbeds is insignificant.
Beyond their misstep of using the Skin Type I data, Grant also questions IARC’s incorporation of international studies. In particular, European tanning regulations, equipment and use can be very different than that of the U.S., so to merge all the data into standardized findings is misleading at best. Not to mention, the data that was studied is only able to speculate on correlation, not establish causation. The IARC report itself acknowledges, "Epidemiologic studies to date give no consistent evidence that use of indoor tanning facilities in general is associated with the development of melanoma or skin cancer."
Grant is also concerned with other gaps in the study, as well as the role anti-UV messaging has had on fostering widespread vitamin D deficiency. For more information on his findings, visit the source link below.
Related Articles:
WHO/IARC Press Release: Conclusions Are Unequivocally False, Deceptive And Misleading
UV Foundation Challenges Tanning Beds, Skin Cancer Study
Source:
Earth Times: New Study by SUNARC Shows Tanning and Melanoma Link Scientifically Flawed
