Experts blame tanning for increasing rates of melanoma

The American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 9,710 people in the United States will die from melanoma in 2014.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer primarily caused by ultraviolet rays, which damage the DNA of skin cells. Sunlight is the main source of UV rays along with tanning beds or lamps, according to the ACS. 

According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, getting one scorching sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma, and using tanning beds before age 35 can triple your risk of developing melanoma.

Though the cancer is typically found in people older than the average college student, Peter Hollenhorst, an IU professor who specializes in cancer research, said it is important for young people to be informed.

“I think young people in particular are into tanning or being out in the sun, and they don’t necessarily look at the long-term future of how tanning can greatly increase their
risk of this really deadly disease,” Hollenhorst said.

Though melanoma accounts for only 2 percent of skin cancer cases, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the foundation. It is on the rise more than any other type of cancer and is the now the most common type of cancer for young adults who are 25-29 years old.

Michelle Niland is a research nurse who specializes in melanoma research at IU Health’s Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. She said the popularity of tanning in today’s culture has had a large affect on the increased rates of melanoma.

“Inadequate educational tools for society in general and not knowing how to use sunscreen or protect against UV rays are causes of the increase in melanoma,” Niland said. “Sun-tanning booths are a huge one.”

Niland said people who have pale skin, blue eyes, red hair, a lot of moles or a family history of melanoma are at a higher risk of developing the cancer and need to use extra precaution when in the sun. 

She said though these people need to be particularly cautious, no one is immune from developing cancer.

“It affects people of all ages and races,” Niland said. “We’re seeing younger and younger women with melanoma.”

Junior Natalie Muoio has personally experienced the harmful effects of tanning.

“I’m almost 100 percent Italian, so I figured my risk of melanoma was very low,” Muoio said. “I was definitely wrong, because I had a cancerous mole last summer and had surgery.”

According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, many people who have been diagnosed with melanoma continue to use tanning beds and tanning oil. Their research shows that UV rays actually increase the release of endorphins — chemicals in the body that cause people to feel happier — that can cause tanning to be somewhat addictive.

“I go tanning because I personally think it makes me look and feel better,” Muoio said. “I don’t really know why I still go. You’d think after a scare like that I would stop.”
In order to be safe, Hollenhorst recommended avoiding UV rays and paying close attention to moles.

“Like almost any cancer, the earlier you catch it, the less deadly it is,” Hollenhorst said. “People really need to be aware of moles on their body and their changing size or changing shape, and see a dermatologist if they notice these changes.”

Along with avoiding tanning and frequently using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, Niland advised changing the way people see beauty.

“I guess we all need to be happy with the skin color God gave us. Pale is the new thin, isn’t it?” She paused. “Well, it should be.”