Project Title
College Students’ Behaviors, Perceptions, Beliefs, and Attitudes Regarding Tanning Bed Use
Department
Environmental Health Science
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Laurie J. Larkin; Laurel A. Mills
Mentor Department
Health Promotion and Administration
Recommended Citation
Playforth, Fawna, "College Students’ Behaviors, Perceptions, Beliefs, and Attitudes Regarding Tanning Bed Use" (2014). University Presentation Showcase Event. 25.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2014/2014/25
Abstract
Among the types of cancer diagnosed every year, skin cancer is the most common. Of all skin cancers diagnosed, basal and squamous cell skin cancers affect about 2.2 million and melanoma affects more than 76,000 Americans each year (ACS, 2013b). Tanning bed use has been associated with a 59% higher risk of melanoma and is particularly dangerous for people who begin tanning younger than age 35 (CDC, 2013b). The data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey found the highest prevalence rates of indoor tanning were among white women aged 18-21 (31.8%) and 22-25 (29.6% (CDC, 2012). This is the traditional college age for most universities in the Midwest and south. In KY, the rate of new melanoma cases was 14 % higher than the national average during 2002-2006 (EPA, 2010). With the lack of education interventions and policies to reduce indoor tanning, it is estimated in 2014 there will be 1,540 new cases of melanoma across the state (ACS, 2014).
Presentation format
Poster
Expected Graduation Date
2014
College Students’ Behaviors, Perceptions, Beliefs, and Attitudes Regarding Tanning Bed Use
Among the types of cancer diagnosed every year, skin cancer is the most common. Of all skin cancers diagnosed, basal and squamous cell skin cancers affect about 2.2 million and melanoma affects more than 76,000 Americans each year (ACS, 2013b). Tanning bed use has been associated with a 59% higher risk of melanoma and is particularly dangerous for people who begin tanning younger than age 35 (CDC, 2013b). The data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey found the highest prevalence rates of indoor tanning were among white women aged 18-21 (31.8%) and 22-25 (29.6% (CDC, 2012). This is the traditional college age for most universities in the Midwest and south. In KY, the rate of new melanoma cases was 14 % higher than the national average during 2002-2006 (EPA, 2010). With the lack of education interventions and policies to reduce indoor tanning, it is estimated in 2014 there will be 1,540 new cases of melanoma across the state (ACS, 2014).
