1. Tanning Bedlam:
Can we prevent an epidemic of
malignant melanoma?
Alan Blum, MD
University of Alabama Student Health Center
October 5, 2012
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67. Tanning Bed Risks
• Skin cancer
• Burns
• Allergic reactions
• Immune suppression
• Injuries to skin/eyes
• Premature aging of skin
68.
69. Tanning Beds and Cancer
• Melanoma risk – 75% increase
– 2nd most common cancer for those aged 15-29
• Group 1 carcinogen
• 2012 melanoma estimates
– 76,000 new cases
– 9,000 deaths
70. Risk Factors
• Light skin
• Family history
• Childhood sunburns
• Sensitive skin, including freckles
• Blue/green eyes
• Red/blonde hair
• Moles
71. “Safety” Myths
• Safer than sunbathing
• Safe way to get Vitamin D
• Safe way to tan without:
– Sunburn
– Sunscreen
72. Reasons for Tanning
• 70% of students: “I look better when I am tanned”
• 59% of students: “Tanning beds make me ill, but everything
causes cancer these days”
• 52% of students: “Tanning bed use is no more risky than lots
of things that people do”
• 40% of students: “…really motivated by appearance
enhancement reasons”
73. Tanning Beds and College Students
• 31%-39% addicted to tanning
– Increased anxiety
– Increased alcohol/marijuana use
• 100% believe skin cancer risk
• Burn injuries common
74. Tanning Use By Region
U.S. Census Region: Total U.S. Census Region: Women
Population
Northeast:
Northeast:
7.3%
4.4%
Midwest:
Midwest:
13.7%
8.8%
South: 8.5%
South: 5.5%
West: 6.0%
West: 3.6%
National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2010
75. Tanning Use and Skin Cancer
10
9
8
7
6
5 Yes
4 No
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2
1
0
Sunburn in the last 12 months Family history of skin cancers
National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2010
76. Tanning Use By Age
Age Groups
18-29: 11.3%
30-39: 5.9%
40-49: 5.9%
50-59: 2.9%
65+: 0.8%
National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2010
77. Tanning by Education Level
Education
College graduate
Some college/technical
school
High school graduate
Some high school or less
National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2010
103. Alan Blum, M.D.
Professor and Endowed Chair in Family Medicine
Director, The University of Alabama
Center for the Study of Tobacco and Society
ablum@cchs.ua.edu
Editor's Notes
From New York Department of Health: Tanning Hazards Information Sheethttp://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/tanning/fact_sheet.htm
Point #1 – from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/indoor_tanning.htm)“Indoor tanning exposes users to both UV-A and UV-B rays, which damage the skin and can lead to cancer.4 Using a tanning bed is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin tanning younger than age 35 have a 75% higher risk of melanoma.2 Using tanning beds also increases the risk of wrinkles and eye damage, and changes skin texture.”Subpoint: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/06/20/indoor-tanners-rationalize-risky-behavior-study-findsPoint #2: from the Skin Cancer Foundation (http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts#indoor)“The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, includes ultraviolet (UV) tanning devices in its Group 1, a list of the most dangerous cancer-causing substances. Group 1 also includes agents such as plutonium, cigarettes, and solar UV radiation.”Point #3: from the National Conference of State Legilation (http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/indoor-tanning-restrictions-for-minors.aspx)“The American Cancer Society estimates 76,000 new cases and nearly 9,200 deaths from melanoma in 2012. Risks to developing the deadly skin cancer include:Age—burns or blisters from UV rays in childhood and adolescence;Fair skin—with freckles and moles; andGenetics—a family history of the disease.”
From Department of New York: Tanning Hazards Information Sheethttp://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/tanning/fact_sheet.htm
Webpages from tanning salons about supposed “benefits” of tanning:Palm Beach Tan: “Indoor tanning intensifiers and bronzers enhance your tanning capability while also providing extra care to your skin via intense moisturizers and skin conditioners.” (http://www.palmbeachtan.com/sunbed-tanning/skin-care/)“How We Tan: The sun creates UV light, which is responsible for tanning and is divided into 2 categories: UVA or UVB. UVA’s main role in the tanning process is oxidizing melanin, the browning pigment that tans the skin. UVB triggers melanin production in the skin. Both types of UV rays play a significant role and are needed for a balanced tanning process. Tan Fact: Our state-of-the-art tanning equipment is designed to replicate the UVA and UVB produced by the sun, while allowing you to control your exposure.” (http://www.palmbeachtan.com/sunbed-tanning/how-to-get-the-perfect-color/#howwetan-info)“The sun. It’s the fundamental ingredient for all life forms. Through its light, warmth and radiant energy, the sun provides the basis for all life on our planet. It stimulates the mind and the soul. It provides a sense of inner peace and well-being that both comforts and energizes. When the sun is shining, spirits are lifted and rejuvenated.Regular exposure to sunlight can:strengthen bonesregulate blood pressurereduce stress and tensionkeep hair, skin and nails strong and healthy” (http://www.palmbeachtan.com/sunbed-tanning/how-to-get-the-perfect-color/#sunwise-info)Tanning Protects Against Melanoma? (http://www.mytanzone.com/tanning-news/67-tanning-protects-against-melanoma.html)Point #1: from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/indoor_tanning.html)“Indoor tanning and tanning outside are both dangerous. Although tanning beds operate on a timer, the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can vary based on the age and type of light bulbs. You can still get a burn from tanning indoors, and even a tan indicates damage to your skin.”From the Skin Cancer Foundation (http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/myths-vs-facts)“When compared to people who have never tanned indoors, indoor tanners have a higher risk of all forms of skin cancer. A controlled dose of tanning lamp radiation is a high dose: Frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual ultraviolet A (UVA) dose they receive from sun exposure.” Point #2: from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/indoor_tanning.htm)“Vitamin D is important for bone health, but studies showing links between vitamin D and other health conditions are inconsistent. Although it is important to get enough vitamin D, the safest way is through diet or supplements. Tanning harms your skin, and the amount of time spent tanning to get enough vitamin D varies from person to person.”Point #3: from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/indoor_tanning.html)“A tan is a response to injury: skin cells respond to damage from UV rays by producing more pigment. “From Skin Cancer Foundation (http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/if-recent-attacks-on-sunscreen-concern-you)“Recent attacks on sunscreens in the media point to imperfections and potential risks, but miss the point that sunscreen continues to be one of the safest and most effective sun protection methods available.”
Point #1:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22860315Point #2 and #3: http://plymouthmeetingdermatology.com/young-people-may-not-perceive-tanning-beds-as-a-particular-danger/Point #4: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/06/20/indoor-tanners-rationalize-risky-behavior-study-finds
Point #1 and #2: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37241947/college-tanning-bed-addicts-why/Point #3: http://www.healthmadeeasy.com/health-news/burn-injuries-common-among-college-students-who-use-tanning-beds/
The purpose here is to show how the South is 2nd –highest region in tanning bed use.Link: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6118a2.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6118a2.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6118a2.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6118a2.htm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)