Approximately one out of every five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in the course of their lifetime (Sun). Basal cell carcinomas are a nonmelanoma form of skin cancer that result in about three-fourths of all skin cancers and are usually non-fatal (Tanning-bed). The other form of nonmelanoma skin cancer is Squamous cell carcinoma, which results in approximately 2300 deaths per year (Helm 1). The “fastest growing cancer in the United States”, melanoma, results in 8,000 deaths and 40,000 new cases developed each year (Archived). “In 1935 the lifetime chance of developing melanoma was one in 1,500. It is now one in 75” (Archived). According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is proposed that skin cancer develops by three mechanisms: “First ultraviolet light directly damages DNA leading to mutations; second, it produces activated oxygen molecules that in turn damage DNA and other cellular structures; and third, it leads to a localized immunosuppression, thus blocking the body’s natural anti-cancer defenses.” With statistics and knowledge like this, the smart approach when it comes to being attacked by the suns rays is to hide.

Unfortunately, for many members of society, instead of hiding, they are worshipping. The sun is their best friend, and if they cannot get the actual sun the go to the other source of fatal ultraviolet rays: the tanning bed. The sun has always been around, but only since the 1970’s has the convenience of tanning salons been available. Now the convenience to be tan year-round has produced a massive $2-billion-a year industry in the United States (The Case). There are approximately 20,000 tanning salons, with 28 million customers, that service over a million Americans daily (The Case, Young 1). Men and women are both avid users of these death traps, and increasing studies are providing more and more research supporting the dangers associated with them. According to Tanning Trends magazine, “Moderate tanning has never been linked scientifically to skin cancer. In fact, by helping people tan with a reduced incidence of sunburn, indoor tanning may reduce your risk of ever contracting skin cancer.” Contrary to this claim, increasing exposure to UV rays does in fact increase the risk of skin cancer (The Case). A tan is not even anywhere near healthy. It is actually a sign that DNA has been damaged and is trying to protect itself from further ultraviolet exposure (The Case). The ultraviolet rays given off by artificial tanning devices are “more than five times the solar ultraviolet-A radiation at the equator.” This UV-A, “penetrates and damages the dermis which contains blood vessels, sweat glands, and nerve endings. Damage to the dermis also affects the collagen and elastic fibers of the skin resulting in premature wrinkling and aging of the skin” (Young 2). Indoor tanning devices used to emit UV-A rays, but since it was recognized that the tan was not as strong as one obtained naturally, UV-B rays were implemented as well (The Case). Now with fifteen-minute tanning bed sessions, that contains both the sun’s UV-A and B rays, health risks are on the rise.

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