The association of Tanning and Skin Cancer is irrefutable and the statistics are frightening.
Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer and is now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old. Studies show that those who first use tanning beds before age 35 have a 75 percent increase in their lifetime risk of developing melanoma. On average, indoor tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma, 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
On February 28, 2011, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a group of 60,000 pediatricians, called for all US tanning salons to bar minors. With this new policy statement, the AAP joins health groups such as the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Academy of Dermatology, and The Skin Cancer Foundation in demanding a ban on indoor tanning for young people.
What steps do we need to take to minimize skin damage that can cause skin cancer?
* Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
* Do not burn.
* Wear a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day.
* Apply 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
* Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
* Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
* Examine your skin from head to toe once every month.
* See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam.
* Avoid tanning and UV tanning salons.
There are several patients who come to us for skin cancer treatment. The damage has already been done. Skin cancer prevention should start in early childhood if we are to make progress in eliminating Melanoma and other forms of skin cancers in our communities.
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Dr. Kumar
