Denmark youth tanning bed use perceived as modern trend

A new study by Kræftens Bekæmpelse reveals a significant rise in the perception of tanning beds as a modern trend among young people in Denmark. The proportion of individuals aged 15 to 25 who consider using solariums to be fashionable has increased from 24 percent in 2015 to 50 percent.

Research indicates that 14 percent of those aged 15 to 25 use tanning beds, with the rate rising to one in five among 15 to 17-year-olds. Health experts warn that such use significantly increases the risk of skin and melanoma cancer. Specifically, using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 60 percent.

Mette Lolk Hanak, Prevention Director at Kræftens Bekæmpelse, emphasized the need for increased prevention and stricter legislation to counter these trends. As part of the Cancer Plan V, Denmark has decided to introduce an age limit of 18 for tanning bed use, which is expected to become law by autumn 2026.