By Chelsea Titus
Round Table editor

It’s no surprise to find out that nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the U.S. every year; 2.3 million of them are teens.

Study after study has shown that sun bed tanning increases the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. According to skincancer.org, one person dies of melanoma every 62 minutes, 65 percent of these cases are directly related to sun radiation.

Tanning salon owners say tanning machines are safer than outdoor tanning for two reasons: 1. they mainly use ultra-violet “A” rays, and 2. they offer more “controlled” UV exposure. However, we know now that UV “A” is a carcinogen, and studies have revealed that tanning salons frequently exceed “safe” UV limits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants teenagers banned from tanning salons to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

More than 30 states regulate indoor tanning by minors, with some banning children younger than 14 or requiring parental permission. Illinois and New York are among states considering bills barring anyone under 18 from indoor tanning.

Darker skin does offer greater protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer. However, that applies only to people with naturally darker skin. Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin’s DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer.

Tanning bed industries is a five billion gross profit business per year, targeting high school and college students, as well as women under the age of 35.

According to The Apache Pow Wow, the number of people using tanning beds has actually surpassed the number of people who smoke cigarettes and many tanning bed users are college students. However, by trying to keep students out of tanning salons and raising awareness about the dangers of indoor tanning is the only way to keep your skin safe.

Why should these adults, teens or younger adolescence fall to the “sun-kissed, summer glow” while risking the possibility of cancer in their future?

The facts bear out: There is no such thing as a safe tan.  However, there are safe alternatives in sunless tanners, bronzers, and self-tan creams. Being informed about how to protect yourself from unwanted sun exposure is the best defense against skin cancer and skin aging.

Common myths for Tanning:

1. “Skin cancer is easily curable.” Not necessarily. Melanoma can be fatal if not detected early. Pre-cancerous or cancerous cells must be removed, usually by cutting out the affected tissue, which can leave scars. If surgery isn’t an option, laser therapy, radiation, or even chemotherapy may be used.
2. “Your body needs sun to stay healthy.” Sunlight is necessary for your body to synthesize Vitamin D, but it only takes 5-15 minutes of sun, two to three times a week.
3. “Moderate tanning is okay.” Cancer is a risk even if you only spend a little bit of time bronzing. Just one sunburn can have long-lasting, damaging effects.
4. “Tanning beds are safer than the sun.” Tanning beds usually emit mostly UVA rays that are less likely to cause sunburns. However, those UVA rays are believed to cause deeper skin damage, including premature aging and possibly melanoma – not to mention an estimated 700 emergency room visits per year are related to tanning beds use.

Take care of your skin. Be cautious of the amount of tanning you do and realize the harmful effects that can impact your body.