To Tan or Not to Tan - There is NO Question

With malignant melanoma statistics on the rise, I still find myself in a verbal tango with all the steadfast tanning bed fans. I want to be as clear as I can with this entry because the folks who use these devices and very emphatically defend them I might add, cannot be easily dissuaded, even with all the medically documented facts that are spelling out increasingly alarming conclusions. I hear over and over that "tanning beds are safer than sun exposure", "I just get a baseline tan that protects me from sun burns in the summer", "I look healthier tan than pale", "I am getting ready for vacation and I don't want to burn", or my favorite...."My skin is fine, there was something else wrong with those people who got cancer, it won't happen to me". These are direct quotes told to me and unfortunately they also attest to the mindset of what medical professionals are up against.

In July of 2009 a prestigious medical journal stated the cellular mutation and carcinogenic effect of tanning beds upgraded their risk classification to be among other definite cancer causing agents, deeming tanning beds to be as deadly as arsenic. If this correlation was not enough to deter someone, here are fully substantiated, medically documented facts and statistics that are worth your review:

- Individuals who use a tanning bed before the age of 30 increase their personal risk of developing malignant melanoma cancer by 75%.
- Malignant melanoma is the leading cancer diagnosis among young adults within the 20 year old demographic. This has been directly linked to tanning bed use.
- There has statistically been a 50% increase in malignant melanoma cancer diagnosis for people within the ages of 15-39 from years 1980-2004....a 50% increase should get everyone's attention.
- There is now a medically substantiated, bio-chemically linked diagnosis of "tanorexia" or "tanoholic" that is similar to the same addictive tendencies as that of a smoker or alcoholic. This diagnosis is also closely related to body dysmorphic disorder or BDD.

Conclusions from these studies are that people are risking death for the sake of a tan. To be honest, nothing about these reports are altogether new information, it has been known for a long time that there was a clear link to skin cancer and UV exposure. The FDA established safety regulations back when sun lamps were popular...and I know many of you remember those wonderful devices. Personally, I think the combo of a sun lamp and baby oil is how the broiler was invented! Unfortunately all that has actually changed is that the statistics have now reached a sobering, frightening and deadly level - thus the current news worthy headlines.

The World Health Organization has recommended a ban on tanning bed use for anyone ages 18 and under. CBS, FOX, NBC and ABC have all recently reported on these age specific changes being considered by the FDA which are:

- An outright ban altogether.
- Requiring a written medical order for a child's use (18 years or younger).
- Having a signed parental informed consent.

If these changes are passed through the FDA, they would be mandated nationwide. Right now there are only a hand full of health conscious states that have regulations already being enforced.

As I close this blog, another delightful quote I hear over and over is: "My salon has FDA approved beds" - let me spell this out clearly...there is absolutely NO tanning device that is FDA approved. The only clearance ever given to these chambers if you will - (bed to me connotes peace and wellness-which in this circumstance is quite to the contrary) - is that the structure itself will not crush you; nothing whatsoever to do with the bulbs!

My father died from malignant melanoma, so yes I hold a very strong conviction towards this subject and for those of you who may be saying, ..."Oh, that's what this is all about"...well you're right..but now I am talking professionally to YOU. My dad grew up (as did most of us baby boomers) without understanding what his UV exposure risk meant. He was a lifeguard on a Chicago beach and back then there was no such thing as sunscreen even available. He died at age 60, which is just over 20 years ago now. Too much has changed today for anyone, no matter what your age to make this life altering mistake or say you didn't realize. Parents...are you listening, will you knowingly sign this "informed" consent? We don't get a lot of "do-overs" in life and when you hear a diagnosis of malignant melanoma given to you or a family member, it really won't matter how tan you are.

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