In light of mounting scientific evidence showing that indoor tanning increases the risk for developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, a contingent of national health care organizations have joined together to highlight the dangers of indoor tanning. Physicians from these organizations are concerned about the impact of indoor tanning on the public's health, particularly young women. Joining together are the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American College of Physicians (ACP), American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Medical Association (AMA), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) and The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF).
The health care organizations held a congressional briefing to discuss the dangers of indoor tanning. Tanning beds are classified by the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as group 1 - carcinogenic to humans, the highest cancer risk category. The physicians' concerns stem from rising melanoma rates. In fact, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is increasing faster in young women than in young men - and a major difference in behavior is that women are more likely to use indoor tanning beds. Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and women, primarily aged 16 to 29 years.
The AADA recently released results of a new survey that reviewed indoor tanning behavior in teen girls. While many teens and young adults - particularly females - acknowledge that indoor tanning is dangerous, they continue to tan indoors.
"In our recent survey, the majority (86 percent) of indoor tanners think using tanning beds can cause skin cancer, yet they still think that people look more attractive with a tan (87 percent)," said Ronald L. Moy, M.D., FAAD, president of the AADA. "It is imperative that we reach out to our young people and correct this misconception that a tan is a sign of good health while reinforcing the message that a tan is the body's response to damage from ultraviolet light."
"Using tanning beds increases one's risk for melanoma by 75 percent and melanoma is now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old, and is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old," said Cecil B. Wilson, M.D., president of the AMA.
"Pediatricians have been warning our young patients about the dangers of indoor tanning for years," said O. Marion Burton, M.D., FAAP, president of the AAP. "We are seeing rapidly increasing skin cancer rates, particularly for melanoma in young women, which adds further incentive to promote our message loud and clear: tanning beds are not safe for young people."
"Promoting women's health issues is central to our mission and we see the issue of indoor tanning as a growing problem, especially among young women," said Richard N. Waldman, M.D., president of the ACOG. "Most young women with melanoma are developing it on their torso, which may be the result of high-risk tanning behaviors such as indoor tanning."
Studies also have demonstrated that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to eye damage. "The AAO is committed to educating people that the eyes are at risk from UV exposure during indoor tanning," said Richard L. Abbott, M.D., president of AAO. "Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids."
As the number of diagnosed cases of skin cancer continues to increase - current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime - prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer remain important health messages for all health care organizations.
"Prevention is one of the most valuable tools that we have as physicians. We need to continue educating patients about the risks of indoor tanning and encouraging healthy decisions to help prevent skin cancer," said Virginia L. Hood, MBBS, MPH, FACP, president of ACP.
"Everyone needs to take preventive steps to protect themselves from unnecessary ultraviolet exposure, including avoiding indoor tanning beds. The regulation of indoor tanning devices needs to be updated to reflect what we know about their carcinogenic effects," said Christopher W. Hansen, president of ACS CAN.
"Approximately 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths are from melanoma," said Tim Turnham, Ph.D., executive director of the MRF. "In fact, one American dies from melanoma almost every hour and the Melanoma Research Foundation will continue to educate the public about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, and the need for a cure."
"The damage caused by UV radiation from tanning beds is cumulative and often irreversible, and the earlier people start to tan, the higher their risk of developing skin cancer in their lifetimes," said Perry Robins, M.D., president of SCF.
"The AOA encourages the public to make healthy lifestyle choices, especially when it comes to their skin," said Karen J. Nichols, DO, president of AOA. "And to be familiar enough with their skin to catch skin cancer early when it's most treatable."
"The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent," said Sandra I. Read, M.D., FAAD, co-chair of the NCSCP. "Everyone should perform regular self-exams and if you notice a mole that is different from others, or that changes, itches, or bleeds, you should make an appointment to see your physician as soon as possible."
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®.
Source:
American Academy of Dermatology Association
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American College of Physicians
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Medical Association
American Osteopathic Association
Melanoma Research Foundation
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
The Skin Cancer Foundation