Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer: Understanding the Risks

Yes, tanning beds can cause skin cancer. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by tanning beds can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to the development of skin cancer. The risk of skin cancer increases with the frequency and duration of tanning bed use. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds as a class 1 carcinogen, the same category as asbestos and tobacco smoke.