Tanning_Dos_and_Onts

Risk of Skin Cancer from Tanning Beds and the Sun 1 Skin Cancer or a Tan, You Decide Trisha Linebarger COM/156 April 23, 2012 Pam Strunk Risk of Skin Cancer from Tanning Beds and the Sun 2 The honest truth is that everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer. Long term exposure to tanning beds or the sun increases your risk of skin cancer. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Is a tan really worth it'” There is no such thing as a safe tan unless you go sunless or use a spray on tan. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects, so you can still enjoy playing in the park and going swimming. It is never too late to get educated on the damage than tanning will do to your skin and your health. Whether you tan in the sun or use a tanning bed, both increase your risk of skin cancer and melanoma at any age. There are many risks in tanning at any age whether it is in a tanning bed or in the sun. Adults and teenagers alike are so focused on their appearance and having a tan, they do not think about the consequences or long term effects. Balk (2011) says, “Tanning beds put out 10 to 15 times as much UV radiation as a noontime sun” (p.16). This is definitely something to think about when you are trying to get a tan for an upcoming vacation at the beach or your high school prom when teenagers want the look from head to toe. This is when you have to decide if vanity is really worth it. With all the celebrities in the public eye, you cannot help but want the perfect skin tone, body, and hair. Remember there is a price you pay when you use tanning beds and the harmful sun to get the perfect tan that they have. Martin (2012) stated, “Compared to people who had never used a tanning bed, indoor tanners had a 74% increased risk of melanoma” (para.4). The effects of tanning and skin cancer are also true for sunbathing. The sun is good for your body when it comes to providing Vitamin D, which gives your body important vitamins that it needs, but only in moderation. Never let vanity replace your own health. Paturel (2011) states, “Most of the sun damage happens before a person reaches 18” (p.17). You only get one chance at living a healthy life with healthy skin. Start early to protect your skin and your children’s. Fresco (2011) states, “Adolescent skin is much more sensitive and vulnerable to sun damage than adult skin” (p.16). It is best to get knowledge of what the sun and tanning beds can do, and educate Risk of Skin Cancer from Tanning Beds and the Sun 3 yourself on the best defense for your family. Pursuing this further, there are many skin cancer protection and prevention tips to follow. Be sure to get regular checkups from a dermatologist to be on the safe side about your skin or any moles or discolorations you have. Always cover up when you are in the sun. Wear light weight shirts and hats to protect yourself. Paturel (2011) states that experts say, “Sunscreen with broad spectrum protection factor of at least 15 is your best line of defense” (p.18). No matter how much you are in the sun, you are never fully protected from getting sunburn. You must reapply sunscreen throughout the day and if you have fair skin you are more at risk. I swim all the time, and when you are in the water, especially you must reapply sunscreen often. There are other factors to consider when you are going to be in the sun to protect yourself. If it is humid or you are sweating more, then you need to apply sunscreen more. You sweat off the sunscreen and then you are susceptible to burn. According to Roberts, Horung, and Polk (2009), “25 states have restricted minors from using tanning beds” (p.620). The best way to protect yourself from the sun and tanning beds is to be careful. Instead of tanning, try doing spray on tans or sunless tanning lotions. They are much safer and will offer you the same end result of glowing skin for any occasion. Therefore, if you want to continue tanning whether it be in the sun or tanning bed, watch for signs of skin cancer or melanoma. The end result of continual sun exposure could have altering effects on your body and your life. If you decide to continue, regardless of the consequences, you need to be sure to do self-checks for moles that could have changed in size or color, or if you get sun spots. Fayad (2011) states, “Look for symptoms like small lumps that are shiny, waxy, pale in color and smooth. A red lump that is firm. A sore spot that bleeds or becomes crusty. Sores that don’t heal or any new growth that is Risk of Cancer from Tanning Beds and the Sun 4 suspicious” (para.2). The best thing you can do for your body is to know it. Be aware of spots or moles, so you can take preventative measures. Be sure to go to the doctor if you see anything out the ordinary. The best practice is yearly exams. You are more at risk if you burn easily, have fair skin, or a family history of skin cancer. Thomas, Rioual, Adamski, Roguedas, Misery, Michel, Chastel, Schmutz, Aubin, Marguery, and Meyer stated, “Skin cancer, including non-melanoma, are the most frequent cancers in adults” (p.16). This is a startling fact for me. You must protect your skin and your children’s, avoid long term exposure to the sun. Children’s skin especially is very sensitive to the sun. Be cautious when playing in the park or swimming, and if you see something out of the ordinary go to the doctor as soon as possible. The key to preventing skin cancer is to be safe while you are in the sun. Protect your body and your skin. I am not trying to say never have fun in the sun again. This is about abusing the sun or tanning beds for a tanning glow. It is not worth it in the long run with the damage you do to your skin and body. Use sunscreen, and if you just have to be tan, go with sunless tanning sprays or lotions. The sun and tanning beds cause skin cancer. Know what you are doing to your body before you do it, and be safe. Remember, we are not young forever and that is when your body is most susceptible to sun damage. Protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun and tanning beds. When you are 50 or 60 years old, and have sun spots skin cancer or melanoma; you will think back and ask yourself, “Was that tan really worth it'” Risk of Cancer from Tanning Beds and the Sun 5 References Fayad, L. (2011). Skin Cancer Symptoms. Retrieved from http://About.com Paturel, A. (2011, February). Shining a Light on Skin Cancer. Current Health Teens, 38(6), 16-19. Martin, Dr. L. J. (2012). The Skin Cancer Risk from Tanning Beds. Retrieved from http://WedMd.com Roberts, D. J., Hornung, C. A., & Polk, H.C. (2009, July). Another Duel in the Sun: Weighing the Balances Between Sun Protection, Tanning Beds, and Malignant Melanoma. Clinical Pediatrics, 48(6), 614-622. Thomas, M., Rioual, E., Adamski, H., Roguedas, A.M., Misery, M., Michel, M. Chastel, F., Schmutz, J.L., Aubin, F., Marguery, M.C., Meyer, N. (2011, January). Physicians involved in the care of patients with high risk of skin cancer should be trained regarding sun protection measures: Evidence form a cross sectional study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 25(1), 19-23.