How Tanning Beds Became The Culprit For Melanoma's Increased Rates

by Lina Martinez

Experts say that melanoma is one of the most lethal types of cancer. Coincidentally, it's also one of the most common ones. A growing number of people are getting skin cancer diagnoses every year compared to other types of cancer.

Almost one in every five adults in the US have high chances of developing skin cancer before they reach 70. Women with fair complexions are especially at risk. Healthline says that, in the years between 1970 and 2009, the incidence of cases of women with skin cancer increased by almost 800 percent, especially among women between 18 and 39 years of age. But why is this happening?

The danger of UV light exposure

Aside from climate change, other factors can cause a person to develop skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from tanning beds can be dangerous, especially when done repeatedly.

Although it takes years for a person to develop skin cancer, using a tanning bed regularly can have damaging effects on the skin. Since women use indoor tanning more than men, they are more susceptible to the effects of UV light. While there has been a decrease in the popularity of tanning beds, experts still estimate that at least 7.8 million women use artificial tanning regularly.

Protecting the youth from indoor tanning

The age group that is most prone to acquiring melanoma is the youth. KUTV says that the World Health Organization has already categorized various tanning apparatuses as carcinogenic to people. It means that these devices are at the same level as cigarettes when it comes to cancer risk.

Data shows that one in every 13 high school girls has tried a tanning apparatus. What's worse is that the number increases to one in eight once they reach their senior year.

Although skin cancer treatment in places like Salem is fairly widely available, it's still a must to learn the possible risks so this illness can be prevented completely. But is there any other way that a person can acquire skin cancer other than tanning beds?

Primary causes of melanoma

A person often acquires skin cancer through regular exposure to UV rays. It starts when one of the three main types of cells reproduce at an abnormal rate. Once they begin to grow and multiply without ceasing, they can start to metastasize. These abnormal cells will start to spread to other areas of the body by passing through the lymphatic system.

The development of skin cancer cells usually happens when a person doesn't protect his or her skin from UV rays. Once a person gets exposed to UV radiation from tanning beds or sunlight, the skin's DNA begins to get damaged. Once that happens, it will no longer be able to control skin cell growth, leading to the development of cancerous cells.

Everyone is at risk of developing melanoma. That's why it's crucial to understand how it develops so that you'll know how to protect yourself from it. Remember to always wear sunscreen and protective clothing as much as possible. Most importantly, refrain from using tanning beds.