Melanoma rate rises ninefold in Iceland due to sunbeds
17 September 2010
The first ever epidemic of melanoma in Iceland may be the result of a dramatic increase in the use of sunbeds (solariums) and travel abroad over the past 30 years, researchers say.
Citizens of the Scandinavian country, which is situated close to the Arctic Circle, are not as familiar with the dangers of UV rays as many other Europeans are, say the authors of a study reported in the 1 October 2010 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology (2010; 172: 762-7).
Until the early 1990s, melanoma incidence in Iceland was much lower even than in other Scandinavian countries.
However, since 1955, melanoma prevalence has increased ninefold among men and women. The increase was most substantial among young women, and had accelerated in the years since 1990.
Sunbed usage is 2-3 times higher in Iceland than in the UK or Sweden, being especially high among young women, and is considered the main factor driving melanoma growth.
Increased overseas travel by older Icelanders had also played a role, the authors said.
Last Reviewed: 17 September 2010
- 1. Héry C, Tryggvadóttir L, Sigurdsson T, et al. A melanoma epidemic in Iceland: possible influence of sunbed use. Am J Epidemiol 2010; 172 (7): 762-7. Epub ahead of print Sep 2 2010, doi:10.1093/aje/kwq238
