Biology

To Tan or Not to Tan

According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to UV radiation—whether from the sun or f

rom tanning beds—increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The International Agency for

Research on Cancer (IARC) confirms that tanning is hazardous especially to young people and

those who use sunbeds before the age of 30 increase their lifetime risk of melanoma by 75

percent. Skin Cancer Foundation inferred that there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor

tanning than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking. Along with Melanoma, tanners are

more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

I do know people who go to tanning salons because they think that a tan gives them a ‘healthy’

glow. It is a typical teenage vanity in which they want to get some ‘color’ or ‘bronzed glow’

which leads to improvement in appearance” . However, sometimes people tan themselves for

“convenience” and “mood enhancement.” Tanning reduces stress and help them relax. It is

difficult for adolescents to understand the long-term impact of their habits because they just

want to look good in the moment.

I think that the users of tanning beds do not have an accurate perception of the risk. There is

a severe dearth of laws to limit minors' access to UV tanning devices. This lack of controls

affects millions of teenagers every year. According to a 2003 US study, 37 percent of white

females and 11 percent of white males between 13- 19 years old have used tanning beds. The

American Academy of Dermatology reports that melanoma is the second most common cancer

in women 20 to 29 years old. There should be stricter laws and more warnings regarding the

same. In addition to the serious risk of skin cancer, tanning can cause premature aging, immune

suppression , eye damage and various other allergic reaction.

Having said that, sometimes people continue to tan despite knowing the...