The findings suggest that recent decreases in indoor tanning and sunburn prevalence may account for the reduction in melanoma incidence over time, especially in adolescents and young adults, they said.
“Although primary skin cancer prevention efforts have often focused on children, adolescents, and young adults, the steady increase in melanoma incidence rates among older adults indicates a need for efforts that promote skin cancer preventive behaviors throughout adulthood. Such efforts could focus on groups at high risk, such as outdoor workers and intentional tanners,” Ms. Holman and her associates concluded.
The authors did not disclose any conflicts of interest. The study was partially supported by appointments to the CDC Research Participation Program through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.
SOURCE: Holman DM et al. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Jan 31. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.5541.