A study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco has revealed alarming findings about tanning beds. They found that using tanning beds can triple the risk of melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. It also appears to cause DNA damage all over the skin.
Researchers were particularly concerned about an increase in skin cancer among women under 50. They studied about 6,000 people, comparing those who used tanning beds to those who didn’t. Their methods included advanced DNA sequencing on skin cells called melanocytes, where melanoma begins.
What they discovered was shocking. Tanning bed users had nearly twice the number of DNA mutations compared to non-users. They were also more likely to develop melanoma on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the lower back and buttocks. This suggests that tanning beds could cause more extensive DNA damage than natural sun exposure.
Dr. Pedram Gerami, a professor at Northwestern, noted that while outdoor sun damage mainly affects about 20% of a person’s skin, tanning beds can harm almost the entire surface. He calls for stricter regulations, advocating for a ban on indoor tanning for minors at the very least.
Many patients express feelings of regret about their past tanning habits. They often started using tanning beds when they were young and didn’t fully understand the risks. Gerami emphasizes the need for warnings similar to those on cigarette packages. He also recommends that anyone with a history of tanning get a full-body skin exam from a dermatologist.
Melanoma is no small issue; statistics show that around 11,000 people in the U.S. die from it each year. With the rise of indoor tanning, awareness and preventive measures are more crucial than ever.
In addition to these findings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that rising tanning bed use, especially among younger populations, poses a growing health crisis. Engaging with these statistics can help people understand the real risks involved and encourage more informed decisions about skin health.
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Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Cancer, Melanoma
