May 30, 2002 (The Record, Bergen County, NJ) - A recent study in
the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that people who
use tanning devices are about twice as likely to develop common types
of skin cancer than those who don't use the devices. The younger that
people started getting indoor tans, the higher their risk of common
skin cancers, according to the study.
But indoor tanning is only one of several ways people can
increase their risk of skin cancer. Exposure to the sun's UV rays is
the leading cause of skin cancer.
Here are some questions and answers on the relationship between
skin cancer and UV rays:
Q. What are the types of skin cancer?
There are three types:
Basal-cell carcinoma is the most common, affecting more than
800,000 Americans each year. It develops in the basal cells, which
are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer).
Squamous-cell carcinoma is the second-most-common skin cancer,
affecting more than 200,000 people each year. It develops in the
epidermis and may occur on all areas of the body but is most common
in areas exposed to the sun. When left untreated, it eventually
penetrates the tissues and metastasizes to other tissues and organs.
Melanoma is the least common but the most dangerous. It starts in
the skin layers and can spread to other parts of the body. More than
53,600 new cases are expected this year.
Q. How dangerous is skin cancer?
It kills about 9,600 people every year.
Q. How long does it take for skin cancer to show up?
Skin cancer typically shows up during adulthood, but
dermatologists say they are seeing younger patients.
Q. I like the tanned look. Is there an alternative to sun and
indoor UV exposure?
Yes. If you must, use self-tanning lotions. The technology for
these has improved so that you can get that bronzed glow without
unnecessarily exposing yourself to UV rays.
But the most important step to reduce your risk for skin cancer
is to minimize your sun exposure, especially during midday. If
you'll be outdoors, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen - one that protects against UVA
and UVB rays.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not getting a tan
from tanning salons.
Q. What is the significance of the recent study in the Journal of
the National Cancer Institute?
It contributes to a growing body of research that links indoor
tanning to skin cancer.
Last year a study published in the Journal of the American
Academy of Dermatology found that UV exposure from tanning salons
causes damage similar to that from sun exposure.
Studies have linked malignant melanoma to exposure to ultraviolet
A, or UVA rays, which are used in tanning salons.
Q. Were the findings affected by past sunburns, sunbathing, and
sun exposure?
No. The researchers accounted for these and still found that
people who used indoor tanning devices were at higher risk for
common skin cancers.
Q. What was the response of the indoor-tanning industry?
Representatives of the industry disagreed with the findings,
saying that the study is not related to modern tanning facilities.
Q. What is the stance of the indoor tanning industry on the
relationship between skin cancer and indoor tanning?
The International Smart Tan Network, an indoor-tanning group,
says most skin cancers are related to a strong pattern of
intermittent exposure to UV light in people genetically at higher
risk for skin cancer. The industry says it is preventing sunburn
and that indoor tanning salons have been improved so that they don't
use the most harmful UV rays.
Q. Where can I get more information?
Go to the following:
* Skin Cancer Foundation: (800) 754-6490.
* American Cancer Society: (800) 227-2345.
* American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org.
* For the indoor-tanning industry position, the International
* Smart Tan Network, www.smarttan.com.
