 More and more young adults are diagnosed with skin cancer; the problem is too many teens are tanning. With prom and graduation just around the corner, we want you to be aware of tanning bed dangers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, UVA radiation or so ¬called “tanning rays” are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB radiation from sunlight. Since UVA radiation is used in tanning beds, tanning salons claim that it is a “safer” tan than the sun.
In a recent study, UVA rays have been related to malignant melanoma—the most serious type of skin cancer. The indoor tanning light has been proven to emit 95 percent UVA radiation, which penetrates more deeply into the skin. The remaining 5 percent of light is UVB radiation, which affects the epidermis, the uppermost skin layer, and often is associated with sunburn.
It should be stressed that whether you are exposed to UV radiation from the sun or a tanning bed, exposure may lead to skin cancer and should be avoided.
Specifically, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) supports the following requirements for indoor tanning salons.
- No minor (under the age of 18) should be permitted to use tanning devices.
- A Surgeon General’s warning should be placed on all tanning devices.
- No person or facility should advertise the use of any ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B tanning device using wording such as “safe,” “safe tanning,” “no harmful rays,” “no adverse effect” or similar wording or concepts.
How can you cut your risk of skin cancer? Read the following recommendations.
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Risk Factor
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Does This Apply to Me?
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| Age |
Most skin cancers start to appear at the age of 50. |
| Complexion |
If you have light-colored eyes and fair skin that burns easily or freckles, you are at greater risk for skin cancer. |
| Cumulative Sun Exposure |
If you have had long-term exposure from the sun without good protection, you are at greater risk. Even a severe blistering sunburn at a young age increases your risk for skin cancer at an older age. Needless to say, sunburns in adulthood also are a risk factor. |
| Exposure to Artificial Sources of UV Radiation |
Exposure to sources such as sunlamps and tanning booths that produce UV radiation can lead to skin cancers. |
| Many Ordinary Moles |
If you have more than 50 ordinary moles, you are at increased risk of melanoma. |
| Dysplastic nevi |
10% of people have one or many abnormal moles that look different from an ordinary mole. Dysplastic nevi are more likely than ordinary moles to develop into skin cancer. As with moles, you are at a greater risk if you have many dysplastic nevi. |
| Personal History of Melanoma or Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers |
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If you have been treated for melanoma, you have a high risk of developing a second melanoma.
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If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, you are at increased risk for melanoma. |
| Family History of Melanoma |
Two or more close relatives who have had melanoma is a risk factor. |
| Recommendations for Everyone |
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Limit your sun exposure during the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense.
Cover up: Wear long clothing and a hat with protection for your eyes.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Use sunscreen with sun factor that is 15 or higher.
Use sunscreen lip balm.
Get your skin examined by a healthcare professional routinely and perform self skin exams.
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For more information on sun safety and skin cancer, visit the Cancer Institute.
Resources
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Dermatology, May 2001.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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