I've recently been seeing more young patients in my office who have been using tanning beds. They seem almost shocked when I inform them that using tanning beds will cause skin cancer, and is one of the worst things you can do for your skin's health. Despite the increased media attention on the dangers of ultraviolet light exposure, many still think it's "cool" to look tanned. Whether it's from tanning beds or excessive outdoor sun exposure, too much ultraviolet light is harmful and causes skin cancers: basal call carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. It's now illegal in some states, such as California, for minors to use tanning beds. Other states are following suit and enforcing regulations. That's a step in the right direction. It's so critical to practice safe sun: broad spectrum sunscreens, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10 am - 3 pm.
Here are some facts from my friends at The Skin Cancer Foundation that are important to know. They have an excellent website at www.skincancer.org full of great information.
One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 62 minutes).
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
The survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 99 percent.
The last fact is key: early detection is life saving! Remember to see your dermatologist at least once a year for your skin check - or sooner if you've noticed a new or changing spot. You only have one precious skin: protect it!
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