The month of May began the American Academy of Dermatology’s Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. To kick off their campaign, the Academy published results of a recent survey showing that many white teenage girls and young women are still using tanning beds or intentionally tanning outdoors.
Survey responses were tallied from more than 3,800 white, non-Hispanic young women (age 14– 22) about their tanning perceptions, attitudes and behavior, with the following results:
- 32 percent of respondents had used a tanning bed in the past year; of those, a quarter used a tanning bed at least once weekly
- 81 percent of respondents had tanned outdoors either frequently or occasionally in the past year
- 87.3 percent of indoor tanners think people look more attractive with a tan
Indoor tanning beds are used by different age groups according to the survey. Among the survey respondents, women aged 18 to 22 were almost twice as likely to have indoor tanned (40 percent) when compared to 14 to 17 year olds (22 percent).
This group of women appears to be particularly at risk. “Our survey underscores the importance of educating young women about the very real risks of tanning, as melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – is increasing faster in females 15 to 29 years old than in males of the same age group,” said dermatologist Ronald L. Moy, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy.
“Exposure to UV radiation is the leading risk factor for skin cancer, yet – despite this knowledge – droves of teens and young women are flocking to tanning bed facilities and beaches or pools to tan every year,” Dr. Moy added.
According to the Academy, at current rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime; about 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.
During the month of May, the AAD is providing special melanoma prevention resources at www.melanomamonday.org. Browse their website to learn more about skin cancer detection and prevention.
Two practical methods of skin cancer prevention include 1) avoiding sun exposure, especially during peak hours and 2) using quality sun protection products.
Dermesse Sunscreen formulas are designed to prevent sunburn and minimize premature aging due to sun exposure. With aloe-based formulas, Dermesse sunscreen delivers high UV protection with wrinkle fighting peptides and antioxidant factors, including Green Tea and Lipoic Acid. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, we recommend limiting your sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreens such as Dermesse SPF 15, Dermesse SPF 30 and Dermesse Tropical Sunscreen SPF 55.
