Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and is a result of too much sun exposure. However, many people don’t realize that indoor tanning beds are just as much a risk factor for skin cancer as the sun.
A new study reported in Dermatology Times (dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/some-skin-cancer-survivors-addicted-tanning) shows that despite a diagnosis of skin cancer, “one in seven survivors of basal cell carcinoma return to indoor tanning beds.” This leads researchers to believe that people can form a tanning addiction, “in spite of health consequences.” The study followed patients one to four years after being diagnosed with skin cancer and found that 15% of patients tanned in the the year after receiving their malignant diagnosis.
"Tanning mom" (photo credit: http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/Tanning-mom-calls-critics-fat-jealous-ugly-150201495.html)
In our office, we strongly discourage the use of indoor tanning beds. When it comes to the sun, we advise our patients to be smart outdoors- wear a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 45 or higher, reapply often (every 1-2 hours when outdoors), and avoid being outdoors when the sun is strongest (typically between 10am to 4pm). Living in southern California, yearly skin exams are strongly recommended.
