Sex differences and risk behaviors among indoor tanners

• We analyzed data on indoor tanners from a national survey.
• A significant percentage of female tanners uses sunscreen regularly.
• Tanners who perceive moderate cancer risk reported lowest rates of cancer screening.
• Indoor tanners of both sexes engage in frequent risky behaviors.

ObjectiveThe objectives were to examine (1) sex differences in factors associated with indoor tanning, and (2) the relationship between cancer risk perception and skin cancer screening among indoor tanners.MethodsData are from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. The sample was limited to U.S. adults (≥ 18 years) using an indoor tanning device in the last year (N = 1177). We conducted bivariate and multivariate weighted analyses.ResultsAmong indoor tanners, less than 30% of men and women reported having ever had a skin exam. Male sex was significantly associated with rarely/never using sunscreen (51.4% of men vs. 36.4% of women) and with binge drinking of alcohol (47.6% of men vs. 37.4% of women). No sex differences in smoking were present. Indoor tanners who perceived themselves “about equally likely” to develop cancer (any type) as similar others were less likely to have received a skin cancer examination than those with high perceived risk.ConclusionThe relationship of cancer risk perception to skin cancer screening is complex. Rates of risk and protective behaviors observed among men and women who indoor tan suggest mixed-sex tanning prevention efforts should target multiple risk behaviors.