Scientists and doctors have time and again stressed about the carcinogenic effect of the tanning beds but this seems to have fallen on deaf ears. In fact, studies in the past have shown clearly that indoor tanning raises the risk of skin cancer by 75 percent.
According to a survey conducted last year by the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 3,800 women participated in the survey and out of that 32 percent have reported to have visited tanning salons regularly. What is more disturbing is that the study notes that 25 percent of the participants use these tanning beds at least once a week. Besides this, other participants have admitted to resort to outdoor tanning, either frequently or occasionally. The study revealed that young women in the age group of 18 to 22 were twice at risk of getting cancer when compared to 14 to 17 year olds.
"Exposure to UV radiation is the leading risk factor for skin cancer, yet despite this knowledge - droves of teens and young women are flocking to tanning bed facilities and beaches or pools to tan every year," said Academy president and dermatologist Dr. Ronald L. Moy in a news release.
He further stated that the biggest challenge is that tanning salons have sprouted everywhere and especially young teens have access to such salons. He said that according to a survey, out of 116 U.S cities, on an average, prevalence of 42 tanning salons per city was found. He opined that this would mean that when compared to McDonald's and Starbucks there are more tanning salons. He also stated that the academy is concerned about the tanning behavior in youngsters and that it fears increase in skin cancer among youngsters and hence untimely deaths as well.
The Academy noted that there has been an increase in melanoma rates from the past thirty years and most importantly among young white women. The Academy warned that if this trend continues then one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. In fact this had compelled the U.S Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization's International Agency of Research on Cancer Panel to declare UV radiation from both the sun as well artificial source as a known carcinogen.
"Our survey underscores the importance of educating young women about the very real risks of tanning, as melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - is increasing faster in females 15 to 29 years old than in males of the same age group," said Moy. "In my practice, I have had patients young women with a history of using tanning beds - who have died from melanoma," added Moy.
