Reuters Health reports that there is an increased risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, in tanning bed users, especially those with fairer skin.
However, the increased risk of melanoma seems small.
On the other hand, the researchers say it may be too soon to measure the full effect of sunbeds, or tanning beds, on melanoma risk since the popularity of tanning salons has increased dramatically in recent years.
Many studies have detected a connection between sun exposure and the risk of melanoma, the authors note. But other factors besides sun exposure, such as skin type, may also affect the risk of this type of skin cancer.
However, the risk of melanoma was significantly higher in young people with fair skin who used sunbeds, the study found. And people who had experienced 10 or more severe sunburns were also more likely to develop melanoma.
The findings are published in the European Journal of Cancer.
Posted by linda on April 02, 2004hey im getting a tan tomorrow for the first time. im very fair i have red hair and blue eyes..im irish
i burn very easily. will i burn from getting a tan at a tanning salon?
I'm also fair skinned, blue-eyed and burn easily. I don't think tanning on purpose is a good idea. I stay out of the sun whenever possible and apply sunscreen if I know I will exposed to the sun longer than about 20 minutes. Check out this article from Prevention Magazine concerning tanning beds:
http://www.prevention.com/cda/feature2002/0,2479,s1-6997,00.html?
I know a lot of people think a tan makes you look healthy, but a tan indicates your body is trying to prevent damage. Besides, a peaches and cream complexion is really pretty, too.
Hey, I'm trying to talk my dad into letting me go to a tanning salon just for a month to try it out. It's hard for me to tan. I'm fair skinned, with hazel eyes and brown/red hair. I wasn't sure if a tanning bed would even help me, and what the risks are with tanning. Thanks
Posted by: Margaret on September 17, 2004 07:19 PMMargo, Tanning of any kind increases the risk of cancer in fair-skinned people like us. You may want to consider the many "sunless" tanning option on the market. Thanks for reading, and good luck.
Posted by: linda on September 24, 2004 08:16 PMI have light blonde hair and fair skin. However, I'm very sick of being so pale. I was considering going tanning, but from the comments I have read it seems like it wouldn't work. Should I just go to the salon and they could tell me if it would work or not? I layed out this summer and did get some nice color. So that's why I thought tanning MIGHT work.
Posted by: Angie on October 30, 2004 10:20 AM