By Alexandra Sifferlin
HEALTHLAND
As a young adult with porcelain skin — I prefer that term to “pale” — I get it. Bronzed skin is perpetually “in” and nobody likes going to the beach only to have to sit under an umbrella and shield their eyes from the glare of their own upper thighs. But a new study from the Mayo Clinic finds an alarming increase in skin cancer among young adults, and the reason may be their persistent efforts to tan.
Published in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the study reports that between the years 1970 to 2009, the incidence of melanoma increased eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men aged 18 to 39. Although men generally have a higher lifetime risk of melanoma than women do, the researchers found the opposite trend to be true among the young adults. “We knew we would see an increase in rates among young women, but we were surprised we saw such a dramatic increase. This seems to be higher than what has been reported previously,” said Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Jerry Brewer in a teleconference.
The researchers looked at first-time melanoma diagnoses for all patients. Based on previous studies on tanning behavior, the authors suggest that the rise of melanoma among young women is linked to their penchant for indoor tanning.
In 2009, the International Agency of Research on Cancer declared tanning beds a human carcinogen, moving them into the top cancer-risk category alongside cigarettes. According to Dr. Brewer, tanning beds and cigarettes have the same cancer risk, but teens are ignoring the warnings. He says there is a disconnect in education about the dangers of tanning-bed use that needs to be acknowledged.
“Tanning beds can give you seven times the dose of UV radiation as the sun,” says Dr. Brewer, “but young adults are still going.”
It’s important to note that although melanoma rates are on the rise, mortality rates have improved. Researchers credit this to improved early detection methods and prompt medical procedures. “People are now more aware of their skin and of the need to see a doctor when they see changes. As a result, many cases can be caught before the cancer advances to a deep melanoma, which is harder to treat,” said Dr. Brewer in a statement.
Dr. Brewer and his fellow researchers support bans on tanning booth use — especially for teens and young adults, who are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of early and frequent tanning — but they recognize the difficulty of enforcing them. “It’s like trying to ban cigarettes, it’s very hard. Should we be limiting tanning beds? Absolutely. Is it easy? Absolutely not. Many states do have bans, but kids are smart. We say, ‘You need a parent’s signature,’ and the kids write the signature themselves,” said Dr. Brewer in the teleconference.
The study group was predominately caucasian, but the researchers say the findings are valid and applicable to similar U.S. populations of the same age range. “There is currently a melanoma epidemic in the U.S., particularly in young women and middle-aged men. This has been documented by various large population based studies, with our study confirming that trend in young women,” says Dr. Brewer.
But if people know what to look for, they can prevent melanoma. It only takes about three minutes to do a skin exam. “Simply look at your skin,” says Dr. Brewer. “This includes getting mirrors and looking at your back and other hard to see areas. It takes a bit of education to get young people to start performing this initial first step, but once they do, the simple act of looking over your skin can significantly decrease chances of dying from skin cancer.”
I think this risk of getting skin cancer is something to be taken seriously especially when this was found out at Mayo Clinic. I think people should protect themselves from the sun with sun screen so they don't have as much risk of getting skin cancer.
ReplyDeleteTim M.7
I honestly think that skin cancer is bad for you. I also think that people should protect themselves. I also think that they should make a cure for it.
ReplyDeleteMacKenzie N. 1
I think that if people want to go tanning they should look int the risks of it. People that no the risks of it and still do it must care a lot if they look tanner.
ReplyDeleteCheyennne J.3
I really think that tanning should be banned for good. Before I moved here I did not go tanning at all but in moving here I found that was just what many people would do. I think the reason why so many people do go tanning is because it is so affordable. Back in Wayzata for a package it would vary between $50 to $70 but here its only $20 for an unlimited amount. I also think so many people do it because of the peer that goes along with it. Your friends are doing it so why shouldn't you. Plus if it gets banned than we have people who will no longer be tanner then one another. There for there will be less people feeling like they need to do it to keep up with the society.
ReplyDeleteChelsey Daly P. 3
Well i dont belive people should altogether five it up just do it much less. They could also try a spray tan or something even though they would look like a carrot. People need to be aware of the risk that it poses to their health. They should have warnings on the tanning beds or something, like a flyer. I belive the price should be raised so less people are inclined to go tanning as often.
ReplyDeleteSid M
Hr 7
*give
DeleteI think that, like Sid said, if you really want to go to tanning, just do it less and that the prices should be raised so less kids can do it. Some people are just like oh it's never going to happen to me, but it could happen to anyone, especially if your going everyday like most of the people here. I think more people just need to be aware of what the risks are before they go.
ReplyDeleteMacKenzie H. P.7
I completely agree with Chelsey. Access to tanning for teens is getting easier and easier. I go tanning only for dances because I have seen what skin cancer can do to people. It always scares me when I over-tan or burn. I think it should be made a law to have pictures of skin cancer patients in tanning salons. Alot of teens don't realize what tanning does to your body besides just wrinkling your skin & causing premature aging. I just googled the effects of tanning beds and in one article it clearly stated "Tanning beds are safer than recieving natural sun and have a perfect balance of UVA & UVB rays. They also give you vitamin D that you can't get anywhere else." This absolutely shocks me. Teens are reading this and thinking that the media is telling them that tanning is safe.
ReplyDeletePaige F. P.7
Although I do not agree with tanning, I don't think it should be completely banned. Banning tanning seems absurd and govt. should not be interfering with this part of peoples lives. However, I do feel that people need to be more informed about tanning and its various effects. Also, I think that people under a certain age, 18, should not be able to tan. Lastly, I feel that tanning beds should have some sort of warning sticker, or have papers that need to be signed that say people know the risk of tanning. Cigarettes are carcinogens and it is labeled right on the pack of cigarettes. I believe the same thing should be done for tanning, because people really overlook the harm it can cause.
ReplyDeleteAnna C 3
I don't think tanning beds should be banned completely, but they should have certain restrictions. Teenagers under the age of 18 shouldn't be able to tan. It is a huge risk of skin cancer and this is a time in life where we like to try out new stuff and it isn't always the smartest ideas. Talking to adults that have tanned in tanning beds during their teen years say they regret it. It completely ruins your skin as you age. For those over 18 and want to tan, they should be able too, but still with strict restrictions; like you only can tan a certain amount of time during this time period and such. This way, people won't be totally upset with decisions made, if there ever has to be one. Also, another suggestion is using tanning lotion or getting a spray tan. It does the exact same thing to you but in a much healthier way.
ReplyDeleteLiana H.3
I agree with Anna and Sid, it should definitely have some sot of warning label or document to sign so people know the dangers of tanning. What I don't think they should do is completely ban it. People just need to be aware of how much harm they're doing to their bodies and the dreadful effects that can be casued by it. Having age restrictions and such like Loans said would also help in this because people can be harmed easier at younger ages.
ReplyDeleteGretta B.3
Liana not loans*
ReplyDeleteGretta
People never really think of the consequences when they are about to step into a tanning bed. Most girls in our school go tanning 5 days out of the week, but cancer is at risk. To some people it may not seem possible to get skin cancer just from tanning, but clearly its possible, I don't agree at all that tanning should be banned, but I do agree that there should be an age restriction. I don't think 18 should be it though, 16 sounds reasonable. I understand that 16 year old girls "need" a tan to look great in their homecoming dresses, but some people just over do it, and eventually they will see it.
ReplyDeleteSavannah T7
I think that tanning should not be allowed. In my country nobody goes tanning. First of all because we know a lot about skin cancer, and second of all, because we don't need it. In my country we don't think that if a person is tanned, is more attractive. In my country we usually think that non tanned people are attractive. Anyways, I think it shouldn't be allowed, because it is like smoking: You get something that is going to increase the chances of getting cancer. I think that is bad..
ReplyDeleteAlberto G (p1)
I, myself, don't see the need to go tanning, and I don't feel the need to go tanning. In my opinion, I don't think tanning is necessary, but people should be aware of the risks associated with tanning. Although if people are dumb enough to exceed tanning, and they do get skin cancer at least they were warned. I think that what Chelsey said is very true, people feel the need to go because of peer pressure. What people really need to realize, in my opinion, is that skin cancer is no joke, it's serious. I don't think it's worth getting skin cancer just so you can have tanner skin.
ReplyDeleteBarrett B.3
The problem is largely the same as with smokeing. It's dangerous, but it's very hard to enforce. I've never used a tanning bed in my life, but I might still get skin cancer down the road. In Denmark tanning isn't as regulated as over here (we don't need a parent signature), but I don't think its a problem. Half a decade ago or so we had the same debate, but ever since I think the use of tanningbeds have dropped a bit.
ReplyDeleteMikkel M 1
I'll be honest, I tan every other day for nine minutes. It's probably not the healthiest thing to do, but neither are a lot of other things kids my age do. I agree with most of the people before me that there should be a regulation, but kids are gonna find a way around it. I mean look at things like chewing and smoking, not healthy and it's illegal for people under 18, but high school students still do it. Aside from that, by the time summer comes around everyone is going to be running around in the sun nearly everyday anyway. For me tanning is a way of relaxing, and I'm smart with it. But just like anything else, if you're not smart with it, it's gonna be bad for you. Moderation.
ReplyDeleteMolly M. P.1
From past cancer experience from my family, Tanning is deffinatly a bad thing. it may make you look pretty for a while but besides the cancer fact do you realy want to be 35 with rinkles like a 80 year old? But the cancer fact about it should deffinatly raise awarness for young people. Not only tanning bed can cause cancer tho. I think you should do it the old fashion way and put some SPF 50 on and get some actual sun.
ReplyDeleteNick O. P. 3
Fake tanning is pointless, they just lay in a little bed and kill their skin. people should just stop being lazy and go outside for a walk or go swimming. you can tan that way, in the winter you don't need to be tan. No one is naturally tan in the winter so you just look funny.
ReplyDeleteMeagan l. p. 7
This is a very serious problem in today's society and yes there should be restrictions on tanning beds. I look at girls my age and you can just tell they spend a lot of time in the tanning booth. Most have wrinkly looking skin and I think spending a lot of time at the tanning booth makes you age faster. There are alternate ways to get that sun-kissed look; such as, tanning lotion or spray tans. Or just natural Vitamin D from being outside :)
ReplyDeletelynn A period7
I totally agree with Nick O. Cancer from tanning is horrible, the wrinkles and spots it causes make you look worse in the long run. Also real sun is healthy, which many kids probably dont know. Natural Sunlight gives you uv light which produces Vitamin D in your body.
ReplyDeleteBlayke N p.7
I think that tanning, if it is damaging to health, should be restricted because it is just like drinking alchhol in a sense because drinking is harmful. I think that once somebody turns 18 they should be able to tan though because it is there choice and they texhically are adult at 18, just like they can choose to smoke and chew when they turn 18.
ReplyDeleteJoel U. Period 7.
I agree with Chelsey and Paige. Many people go tanning because its affordable, and because many of their peers are doing it. Some people just do it for dances, like for prom many males are tanning, for what reason? Only they know..I only go tanning for dances. My mom has had skin cancer I know what it will do to a person, she's begged for me not to go, but I don't listen..When she was a teen she would go twice a day at two different salons. My mom was one of those people that thought, like MacKenzie said "Oh, that'll never happen to me!" It happens though, trust me. Teens should be more aware of what could/will happen.
ReplyDeleteCheyenne Hjelle
Period 7
I don't think tanning beds should be banned to people under 18. I think most of the people who go tanning are fully aware of the risks. We have all heard about the damage it can cause in the long run, but some of us CHOOSE to take that risk anyway. I think that as long as people know it is a health risk, it should still be allowed. It should be their decision whether or not to risk getting cancer.
ReplyDeleteShannel D. 3
I do not think it should be banned! The risks are mostly known. Everyone thinks their not going to get skin cancer from tanning only 5 days out of a 7 day week. "I'm only in there for 20 minutes" is what you hear. Twenty minutes is equivelant to about 4 hours in the normal sun, just non-stop. I think there should definitely be restrictions like not being able to start the timers over once the lights shut off, or going more than once a day.I also agree with Savannah in the fact that the age limit sounds right at 16. People just need to know when to stop!
ReplyDeleteKatelyn V3
I agree with Shannel. Like many people have said, people will find a way around the rules and do it anyway. Banning tanning beds to people under 18 would be pointless. I, personally, am not aloud to tan and even if I was, I wouldn't do it. I went once, for 5 min and I was told never to do it again. My mom is 52 and gets told she looks 35. Why? Because she never went to a tanning bed as a teen. I would rather look young when I'm that age then have "glowing skin" now. I used spraytans and tanning lotion because I would like a little color now and then but I admit it's not the same even color. Some have turned out god aweful. But i'd prefer that anyday next to putting my skin at that kind of risk. So many people don't realize what it does to your skin until it's too late and you have skin cancer or pre-mature wrinkles.
ReplyDeleteKimmy S. P3
I think everyone has a good point on this typical subject,because tanning and cancer are seen as a big thing in America.I don't tan at all so its no problem for me in the future,but unfortunately I care for my friends far to much to think about them getting cancer.I'd hate for any of my friends to get cancer,I know tanning isn't a bad thing necessarily if you use the right amount,so hopefully they'll be smart about it.
ReplyDeleteChris W. P.1
I think that it kind of weird that people can get cancer from tanning but if it is true then people should stop tanning. If tanning can cause cancer then the cast of jersey shore can't GTL and they are going to be pal. I think that it is going to be hard for people to stop tanning because it is part of most people lives.
ReplyDeleteJimmy P.
I agree with liana I dont think tanning should be banned completely because many people know the risks of tanning and if they want to risk getting skin cancer and all the other bad things that go along with it, let them. I also agree with savannah that 16 sounds like a reasonable age for people who want to start tanning. I myself go tanning only for dances and i know the risks of it and i feel like i am careful with it, but i am scared at the same time.
ReplyDeleteCayla P1
ReplyDeleteIts so weird how society changes its mind for publicity or fashion, before a white person was important for the color of their skin, and it was consider a higher range than a "brown" or "black" person, but nowadays its the opposite, white people wants to be tan, I dont understand why would you wanna look like an orange, and damage your skin just to look good for the others, I think everyone should be proud of their skin color, with all the damage that the sun can do to your skin why would you want to add more to that? I think I dont have and will never have that problem because my color is like that, but also because where I live the sun is more powerful and I know a lot of people that, because they did not care and didn't used sunscreen now have skin cancer and it is so scary to think that the same can happen to you if you don't take care, I know everyone can decide by themselves but they should do it for Themselves, not to look good and tanned for the others.
ReplyDeleteLucy M7
VERY LAST COMMENT!
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