A recent study shows that indoor tanning (using tanning beds) is now causing more cases of cancer than cigarettes. Researchers estimate around 360,000 cases of lung cancer each year can be blamed on smoking. Compare that to the more than 450,000 cases of skin cancer (including basal and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) that are attributed to indoor tanning.
Most people, however, do not understand the dangers that indoor tanning presents. Indoor tanning is incredibly popular. In the same study, scientists found that 35 percent of adults, 19 percent of adolescents, and 55 percent of university students have used tanning beds.
“People are already aware of the harms of smoking, but they are not aware of the harms of indoor tanning,” Dr. Eleni Linos, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco states. “We need to get the message out that indoor tanning is dangerous, and causes a tremendous health burden to young people. . . We’re seeing younger and younger patients coming to us with skin cancer. That is a new phenomenon.”
“The only other advice is to get the message out to friends and family members. We are all influenced by the habits and opinions of those close to us, and we can use this influence for good,” Dr. Linos says. “Start spreading the word about the harms of indoor tanning to everyone you know, especially young people who are at highest risk.”
“It’s time to put an end to this harmful habit,” she says.
What does Dr. Linos suggest is needed to reverse the growing number of cancer cases? Check all that apply.
ensuring that people who use tanning beds know they can cause cancer
encouraging people to share the dangers of tanning beds with friends and family
banning the use of both cigarettes and tanning beds
informing young people that they too can develop skin cancer
limiting tanning bed use to older adults only