Skin Cancer is on the rise again due to the increased use of tanning beds. Tanning beds are used by more than 30 million people, and more than 400,000 cases of skin cancers are being associated with the utilization of a tanning bed.
Many people use a tanning bed because of a natural high they get from the UV light. The UV light in the tanning bed helps release the endorphins within a person’s body. Endorphins provide feelings of well-being. Gradually a person can become addicted to the tanning bed because they crave the feel-good chemicals that are being released throughout their body while tanning.
The biggest age group that seems to become addicted to tanning beds is teenage girls. Having a bronze skin tone gives the model skin complexion and creates high feelings of self-esteem. Beautiful skin tone is valued and presents a picture that the young teenage is vibrant and knows how to take care of her complexion. For many teenagers, tanning provides instant gratification and gives them a natural high that makes them feel better after tanning.
This natural high from the tanning bed can make a person feel better, but it can be one of the final warning signs to stop tanning. According to Ashley Tanner, this natural high starts the addiction to the tanning bed. Ashley started using tanning beds during her high school years. Like all teenage girls, Ashley starting using a tanning bed to primp before a date or to look good before going on vacation. Before long, Ashley became addicted to tanning beds and contained to use them several times a week for many years after her high school graduation. Ashley thought that her body was immune from any tanning dangers, but this quickly changed when she was diagnosed with melanoma cancer at age 33.
Ashley underwent treatment and all tumors, and lymph nodes were removed. For the next three years, she remained cancer free. However, in 2009, her cancer returned, and her outlook was bleak. Ashley’s face was paralyzed from the cancerous tumors. While battling this cancer during a hospital stay, Ashley was given the opportunity to share her story through a television interview. She let everyone know about the dangers of tanning beds and why sunscreen should be used to prevent skin cancer. On March 15, 2013, Ashley passed away after a seven-year battle with melanoma cancer
Melanoma is a severe skin cancer and according to the American Cancer Society, there is no sure way to avoid contracting melanoma. Risk factors such as race, age, gender, and family history can alter the outcome in contacting melanoma. However, there some things a person can do to lower their risk of contracting melanoma. The American
Cancer Society recommends the following:
1. Stay in the shade to avoid UV exposure.
2. When going out in the sun, always wear a shirt and hat.
3. Put on sunscreen before going out in the bright sunlight.
4. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes.
5. Avoid using sunlamps and tanning beds.
6. Avoid the sun during the late afternoon.
Following these recommendations will help reduce a person’s chances of contracting melanoma and other skin cancers.