Study reinforces cancer danger of solariums Article from:
</IMG> By
Neil Hickey January 14, 2008 12:05pm
A NEW Queensland study has raised more concerns about the links between cancer and using solariums. The Queensland Institute of Medical Research says solarium users under 35 years old have a 98 per cent increased risk of contracting skin cancer.
The report comes less than six months after the death of Melbourne woman Clare Oliver.
The former television journalist died just after her 26th birthday in September after contracting melanoma, which she blamed on sustained use of tanning beds.
Dr Louisa Gordon said 21 studies investigating solariums clearly showed links to skin cancer among young people.
"Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. (We) estimated the new number of cases of melanoma attributable to indoor tanning devices is in the range of 12 to 62 a year," she said.
Dr Gordon said the institute was calling for more stringent industry regulations.
In addition to the human cost, she said tougher laws could save Medicare about $300,000 for every 100,000 people. The announcements came at the launch of the 2008 Suncorp SunWise campaign, which will publicise the dangers of sun exposure.
More than 2300 melanomas are diagnosed among Queenslanders every year.
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