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Health in the News
Myths About Sun Tanning Are You at Risk for Melanoma?Your risk is higher if:
Myth: There’s a safe way to tan. Fact: There isn’t. A suntan is your skin’s response to injury. Over time, sun exposure changes the texture of skin, causing wrinkling and age spots. This damage increases your risk for all types of skin cancer, including potentially deadly melanoma. Myth: Indoor tanning is safer than outdoor. Fact: Tanning beds and sunlamps expose you to just as much damaging UV radiation as natural sunlight does. Many tanning salons are unregulated, offering no supervision or eye protection to customers. Myth: If my sunscreen is high SPF, I’m home free. Fact: You do need a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, but you also need a “broad spectrum” product that protects against both types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB. Check the label! And since no sunscreen blocks completely, wear protective clothing and avoid the sun at midday. Myth: If I get a “base” tan, I can stay out in the sun as long as I like. Fact: Many people think pre-tanning before a tropical vacation reduces their skin cancer risk. Severe sunburns do increase risk. But the fact is, the more UV radiation you get (outdoor or indoor), the greater your skin damage. It’s best to limit your exposure. Myth: Some people always burn before they tan. Fact: Even if you’re fair-skinned, a sunburn is not inevitable. Be extra-careful about protecting yourself (see Want to Know More, below). It’s been proven that repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, greatly increase the risk for melanoma. Myth: Dark-skinned people don’t get melanoma. Fact: They have a much lower risk, but dark-skinned people do develop melanoma. In fact, they may be more likely to die from it, possibly because they don’t think they’re at risk and don’t get screened. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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