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What's Your Sunburn and Tanning History?
People with skin types I and II are at greatest risk. Which skin type are you?
- Always burns; never tans; sensitive ("Celtic")
- Burns easily; tans minimally
- Burns moderately; tans gradually to light brown (average Caucasian)
- Burns minimally; always tans well to moderately brown (olive skin)
- Rarely burns; tans profusely to dark (brown skin)
- Never burns; deeply pigmented; not sensitive (black skin)
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Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer: What's The Connection?
by Kathy Sena
Here's a chance to set a great example for your kids - while protecting your own skin as well: Just say no to tanning beds. The recent increased use of tanning beds by teenagers has contributed to a sharp rise in melanoma rates in young people, says New York City dermatologist Joshua Fox, M.D. The short-term bronzing effects of tanning-bed use are simply not worth the possible long-term consequences of increased skin-cancer risk and premature aging, he adds.
"Particularly during the teenage years, continued use of a tanning bed or sun lamp can be quite dangerous," Fox says. "It can increase your risk of developing malignant melanoma by more than 55 percent, and it can about double your chances of basal cell and/or squamous-cell cancer." And heaven knows our "adult" skin doesn't need the additional damage that can come from sun or tanning-bed exposure.
According to Health Canada, the occurrence of skin cancer has been increasing in Canada at a fairly constant rate over the past 30 years. In 2005 (the most recent statistics available), there were roughly 78,000 new cases of basal and squamous-cell carcinomas reported in Canada, and about 4,400 new cases of malignant melanomas.
Health Canada and Environment Canada have created the Children's UV Index Sun Awareness Program, to help teach children and teens (adults can learn a lot here, too) about the risks from excessive sun exposure and tanning salons. The program teaches students about the UV index and how to use it to minimize the risk to their health. For more information, visit their Web site*. (* Will open in a new window.)
"The reason teens are so at risk is that they are still experiencing such tremendous growth at the cellular level," Fox explains. "Their skin cells, like every other cell in their bodies, are dividing more rapidly than they do when we reach adulthood. And the more rapidly cells change, the higher the chances are that they will change detrimentally - particularly when hit by the deleterious affects of the sun - and cancer will develop."
Many surveys have found that people use tanning beds for one reason: vanity. But a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests there could be more to it. Researchers found evidence that the UVA rays in tanning beds may stimulate the brain to produce endorphins, those "feel-good" hormones that are released during such positive activities as exercise, but also during such negative behaviors as drug use or cigarette smoking. "The relaxing and reinforcing effects of UV exposure contribute to tanning behavior in frequent tanners, and should be explored in greater detail," the study's authors conclude.
For we adults, who are already concerned with the aging effects of skin damage from the sun, the evidence is clear, according to the AAD and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): UV radiation can also have a damaging effect on the immune system and cause premature aging of the skin, giving it a wrinkled, leathery appearance.
And contrary to what some people assume, not all skin cancers are easily curable. Malignant melanoma, which has a suspected link to UVA exposure, is often fatal if not detected early. The number of cases of melanoma is rising in the U.S.
The AAD, FDA and ACS all encourage parents of teens to review the dangers of tanning beds with their children, and to prohibit their use. And remember to set that good example by taking good care of your own skin. There are many safe self-tanning creams, gels and sprays available today that can give the appearance of a natural tan without the possibly devastating side effects of tanning beds or too much sun.
Kathy Sena is a freelance health writer who regrets her habit of sunbathing - while slathered in baby oil - as a teenager. Visit her parenting blog*. (* Will open in a new window.)
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Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer: What's The Connection?
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