Contrary to the tanning industry’s claims, there is clear link between melanoma—the most deadly form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S.—and exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) from natural or artificial sources (such as tanning beds). In fact, approximately 65 percent of melanomas are attributed to UV exposure.

There are clear, evidence-based data demonstrating harmful effects of UVA and UVB radiation, including its carcinogenic/mutagenic effects on DNA. The use of indoor tanning (outside of medical practice) represents one of the most striking examples of an avoidable cause of lethal cancer in man.

There is no such thing as a “safe” or “healthy” tan from UV exposure.

• UV exposure causes a biochemical reaction in the skin that causes it to tan, but it is also the same process that damages DNA, causing cancerous mutations in skin cells.
• If those mutations are not completely repaired—as frequently occurs—skin cancers result.
• Since the tanning process appears to be the same process that damages DNA; current research suggest that it may be impossible to separate the two.

Exposure to both UVA and UVB radiation is harmful.

• Although DNA absorbs UVB rays more efficiently than UVA rays, 99 percent of rays reaching the epidermis (where skin cancer develops), are UVA rays.
• Current research has documented that both UVA and UVB rays are mutagenic for the skin, not just UVB. Today, most indoor tanning devices emit 95 percent or more UVA rays.

UV exposure increases your risk of developing melanoma.

• A 2007 study found that individuals who had first used a tanning bed prior to age 35 had a 75 percent greater risk of developing melanoma.
• Additional research suggests most melanomas are produced through UVA exposure. There is no scientific evidence that recreational exposure to UV radiation is safe.

Healthy vitamin D levels can be achieved and maintained without UV exposure.

• The amount of UV exposure needed to produce sufficient vitamin D levels is very small.
• In one 20-minute tanning session, a tanning salon patron receives 4.5-7 times the amount of UVB radiation needed for vitamin D production, in addition to the exposure to harmful UVA rays.
• While vitamin D may have anti-cancer and other health benefits, there is no benefit to using UV to boost its level since it is a known carcinogen.

Information courtesy of Melanoma Research Foundation

Approximately 65 percent of melanomas—the most deadly form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States—are attributed to ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds. Although melanoma may develop in parts of your body that are not exposed to the sun, the Melanoma Research Foundation recommends the following sun safety practices for all skin types to help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers:

Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin—even on cloudy days—year-round.

• Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Look for ingredients in your sunscreen such as titanium dioxide and mexoryl, which block UVA rays better.
• Use enough sunscreen. To protect your entire body, use approximately an ounce of sunscreen (about a full shot glass) and apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating, even if the bottle says its waterproof or long lasting.
• Remember, wearing sunscreen is not a blank check for spending unlimited time in the sun.

Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Do not burn. Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer. Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life.
• Avoid intentional tanning and indoor tanning beds. Current research indicates there is no way to get a tan through ultraviolet exposure without increasing the risk for skin cancer.
• Consider using a sunless self-tanning product if you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, but continue to use sunscreen when you are in the sun .

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
Be aware of medications that can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs have the ability to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Information courtesy of Melanoma Research Foundation

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, is the one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and worldwide.

Early detection of melanoma is essential to improve the prognosis.

• In its early stages, melanoma can be successfully removed and monitored by regular skin screenings. In fact, its survival rates can exceed 90 percent to 95 percent (stage I). However, melanoma is deadly in its most advanced stages as few treatment options exist. Survival rates can drop to less than 20 percent (stage IV).
• There are several steps you can take in order to help increase your chances of detecting a melanoma early.

Carefully examine your skin once a month. If you notice any changes, consult a dermatologist right away.

• Look for changes with your skin, such as new skin growths and changes in the color and shape of existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks, with the ABCDE system:
• Asymmetrical: if a mole is unequal or asymmetric in shape
• Border: if a mole’s border is irregular, jagged, or indistinct
• Color: if a mole has more than one color or shade, including different shades of browns, blues, reds, whites, and blacks
• Diameter: if the size of the mole is greater than 6mm, or the width of a pencil’s eraser
• Evolving: if a mole or skin lesion looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, color, elevation or any symptoms, such as bleeding, ulceration, itching or crusting
• Thoroughly examine all parts of your body, including those areas that are normally not exposed to sunlight including your scalp, genitals and the soles of your feet and spaces between your toes.

Schedule a yearly skin exam.

• If you are over the age of 40, schedule a yearly skin exam.
• Regardless of age, you should incorporate a yearly skin exam into your annual checkups if you have any of the risk factors associated with melanoma, including:
• Fair skin
• Personal and family history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Severe sunburns (especially while young)
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (i.e. sun bathing or indoor tanning)

Information courtesy of Melanoma Research Foundation

Most Americans are unaware of the seriousness of melanoma. It can strike men and women of all ages, races and skin types. It’s important to know the risk factors, such as:

Fair skin and moles

• Melanoma occurs more frequently in people who have fair skin that burns or freckles easily than in people with dark skin. This is because fair skin tones have less protection from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation than darker skin tones.
• Having darkly pigmented skin lowers, but does not eliminate, your risk of melanoma. Anyone can develop this cancer on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails.
• Reggae musician Bob Marley died in 1981 of metastatic melanoma at the age of 36.
• People who have many moles (more than 50) have an increased chance of developing melanoma.

Personal and family history of melanoma

• A previous diagnosis of melanoma increases the risk of getting melanoma again. About 5-10 percent of people with a melanoma will develop it again during their lifetime.
• If one or more member of your immediate family has developed melanoma, then you have a higher risk of developing the disease yourself. This may have to do with a number of things, including a family lifestyle of frequent sun exposure, shared fair skin traits or inherited gene mutations.

Weakened immune system

• People with a weakened immune system—due to certain cancers, drugs given following organ transplants, or HIV/AIDS or other autoimmune diseases—are at a greater risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Severe sunburns, especially while young

• Every time you burn your skin, you increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer. This is especially true of skin burns at a young age. Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunlight or indoor tanning booths

• Exposure to UV radiation is one of the major risk factors for most melanomas.
• Using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent and occasionally using tanning beds can triple your chances.

Age

• Although melanoma is most common in men over the age of 50 (more common than colon, prostate, and lung cancer), it is also one of the most common cancers in people under the age of 30.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.

Information courtesy of Melanoma Research Foundation