Tanning Beds Increase Risk of Skin Cancer
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from both the sun and artificial sources, including sun lamps and tanning beds, increases the risk of skin cancer. For this reason, officials with Sun Safe Nova Scotia are working with government to restrict the use of tanning beds to individuals over the age of 18.
"Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable, yet the rate of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, is growing at a rate of 2.5 per cent each year for men and 1.8 per cent a year for women," said Dr. Richard Langley, chair of Sun Safe Nova Scotia and a member of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's skin cancer site team. "Tanning bed use is putting people at increased risk for skin cancer and Sun Awareness Week, May 29 - June 4, provides an opportunity to remind people that tanning beds are not a safe alternative to sun exposure."
Sun Safe Nova Scotia has recommended a strategy to government designed to protect people under the age of 18 and ensure both informed consent and the highest possible level of safety for adults who choose to use the equipment. Implementing age restrictions around tanning bed use is just one method of raising awareness about the importance of sun safety and the potential health risks of what has become a socially acceptable activity.
"Advertising leads people to believe that tanning beds are safer than the sun, when in fact tanning beds are classified as a known human carcinogen," said Maureen Summers, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia division. "In particular, youth are vulnerable to advertising that promotes a bronzed body as the desirable sexy, healthy look. As we approach prom and beach season, thousands of Nova Scotian teens will use tanning beds, subjecting themselves to cancer causing UV rays."
In addition to avoiding tanning beds, the suggested actions for sun protection are: reducing sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. - when UV rays are the strongest; wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat; planning outdoor activities in shaded areas; wearing sun glasses with UV protection; and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with a SPF of 15 or greater.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia initiated Sun Safe Nova Scotia in spring 2004 to address skin cancer prevention. The coalition, chaired by Dr. Langley, and supported by Judy Purcell, prevention co-ordinator, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, includes members from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection; Canadian Dermatology Association; Nova Scotia Pharmacy Association; Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources; the Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre, Canadian Cancer Society - Nova Scotia division, and other groups committed to reducing skin cancer incidence and mortality in Nova Scotia.