Tanning Beds “Will” Cause Cancer: Study

Getting an artificial tan may be more dangerous than you think.

We all want that perfect, healthy glow form a tan, but is it really healthy and how safe are the tanning beds that are steadily gaining popularity, especially among the young? Apparently, not safe at all and something that all would be well to stay away from at any price. The empirical data is coming in and the reports are clear.

Recently the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) upgraded its language when referring to the connection between the use of tanning beds and the development of skin cancer from ‘maybe’ to a definitive ‘yes’ in those who start using the tanning devices before the age of 30.   The risk of melanoma in that age group increases by 75 percent.

It also reported a link in the rise of skin cancer to the increase use of tanning salons.

Studies concluded that there has been a rise of 75% in reported cases of melanoma in individuals that reported regular use of tanning beds prior to the age of 30. Rates of diagnosed skin cancers are four times what they were just 25 years ago and the numbers are steadily rising each year. The study also showed possible connections of developing cancer of the eye from continued exposure to sun beds.

“People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds,” said Vincent Cogliano, one of the cancer researchers speaking to ABC News. “We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don’t think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan.”

The Agency went even further by likening the use of tanning beds to being a heavy smoker or to someone that has been exposed to deadly asbestos.

There are age limits and restrictions being put forth and considered, with one of the possibilities being the banning of use of sun beds by anyone under the age of 18.

The studies are clear, artificial exposure to the sun posses no health benefits while exposing individuals to unnecessary dangers. If you really must have that ’glow’ it is recommend that you apply any one of the self bronzer currently available on the market at most beauty supply stores and higher end supermarkets. It is also recommended that daily sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher be applied on a daily basis to reduce the risks of skin cancer.

The report is published online in the medical journal Lancet Oncology.