Cosmetic laser and intense pulsed light treatments and the risk of skin cancer

Research problem and specific questionsThe prevalence of skin cancer increases in Sweden. Known explanations include better kowledge of risks and health seeking behaviour, and changing tanning habits.

I want to investigate another explanation; the use of laser and IPL treatments for cosmetic purposes - available in most beauty clinics and for home use.

Until now, no epidemiological studies have investigated the potential risks imposed by laser and IPL treatment on public health.

In preliminary data from an ongoing study on the association between tattoos and skin cancer, I have seen that twice as many cancer cases had removed tattoos using laser, compared to controls. I now hypothesize that there is an increased risk for skin cancer among users of laser and IPL treatments.

The aim of the proposed project is to investigate if laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments for cosmetic purposes increase the risk of cutaneous a) melanoma and b) squamous cell carcinoma.

A secondary aim is to c) to investigate the usage prevalence of laser and IPL treatments among the general population in Sweden, and d) to investigate if self-reported side effects occurring after laser and IPL therapy can predict skin cancer.

Data and methodI will use already collected data from two large-scale nested case-control studies, and a large cohort of individuals from the general population. Participants were asked about their laser and IPL-treatment use. Register data of diagnosis, medicines and socioeconomic factors is already collected.

I plan to collect new data of the time aspect of laser and IPL.

I will conduct two case-control studies of the risk of skin cancer, a prevalence study of laser and IPL-treatment, and a prediction study.Societal relevance and utilisationLaser and IPL therapy for cosmetic purposes is readily available for consumers, and no education or licenses are required to perform them.

This study would be a first step in discovering if laser and IPL therapy for cosmetic purposes may need to be regulated by law.

Regulation of exposure, licensing for practitioners, limitations for home usage and increased knowledge among users could decrease the exposure and limit the frequency of use, to mitigate the potential increased skin cancer risk for consumers.Plan for project realisationData collection is already partially completed at the start of the project, which makes this is a high gain, low risk project.

The budget covers Dr. Rietz Liljedahl´s salary for 3-years.