Many studies have already highlighted the dangers of tanning booths and the risks of melanoma linked to exposure to artificial UV rays. But a new American study has looked at the health costs associated with skin cancer generated by tanning beds.
This study, published in the Journal of cancer policy, estimates that these costs reach 343 million dollars (or 325 million euros) for the year 2015 alone.
1,200 deaths per year attributed to artificial tanning
Researchers have estimated that 263,000 cases of skin cancer (including nearly 9,000 cases of melanoma, the most severe skin cancer) reported in 2015 in the United States and 1,200 deaths could be attributed to artificial tanning.
They calculated that the average cost of treating melanoma was $ 5,054 ($ 4,800) per person and the cost for other skin cancers was $ 1,168 ($ 1,100). In addition to these medical costs, they also calculated the economic loss over the years of life of those affected by cancer.
In the United States, the health authorities (the FDA) have taken a number of measures to curb the use of tanning beds. But despite the known risks, 35% of adults and 17% of adolescents say they have ever used artificial tanning.
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