TANNING BEDS: Dermatologists Testify before FDA
( AAD website, "Skin E-News", 4/2010)
From William
D. James, MD, FAAD, President, American Academy of Dermatology
SCHAUMBURG, ILL (Mar 24, 2010)- Indoor
tanning is dangerous. There is compelling, irrefutable scientific
evidence which shows that indoor tanning beds can increase your risk for
skin cancer.
... Dermatologists are particularly alarmed about the impact of indoor
tanning on young women. Melanoma is increasing faster in young women
than in young men - and a major difference in behavior is that women are
more likely to use indoor tanning beds. Using tanning beds before the
age of 35 increases one's risk for melanoma by 75 percent. Melanoma is
now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old, and
is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young
adults 15-29 years old. In fact, melanoma is increasing faster in
females 15-29 years old than in males in the same age group.
Indoor tanning is dangerous and should be banned to help protect the
health and safety of Americans, especially our young people. Reducing
the use of indoor tanning beds will help reduce the cost of treating
skin cancer and save money and lives in the long run.
For more information,
contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
Reminders