The Facts About Skin Cancer

The Dangers of Tanning BedsMany people feel that tanning beds are safe and healthy

to use. However, using tanning beds increases a person’s

chances of developing melanoma, a deadly form of skin

cancer, by 300%. For those that use tanning beds more

than 10 times a year, the risk of developing melanoma

shoots up by 800%.*

Indoor tanning beds release high and dangerous levels of

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation which has shown to increase the

risk of skin cancer. The degree of risk significantly increases

with long-term tanning to maintain a tan throughout the

year and the combination of tanning lotions to speed up

the tanning process. Tanning beds are very dangerous, and

may cause:

• Burns

• Suppression of the immune system

• Premature aging, including wrinkled and sagging skin

• Skin roughness

• Brown spots (moles)

• Serious eye problem: conjunctivitis, corneal infections &

retinal damage

• Skin Cancers, including Melanoma

• Death

*www.skincancer.org (Skin Cancer Foundation)

Getting the Bronzed Glow

without Tanning

Spray-on tans and sunless lotions can help you achieve a

natural-appearing bronze look without the increased risk of

skin cancer. These products contain DHA, a color additive

that interacts with skin cells to darken the skin. The FDA

has approved it for use externally, but says avoid applying

the product to lips and eyes. If you want the look of a tan

without increasing your risk for skin cancer, the American

Dermatological Society recommends using sunless or spray

tans. Sunless lotions can be found at any grocery store,

and spray-on tans are available at many tanning salons.

Tanning Restrictions for MinorsNew Washington State Legislation

The increased usage of tanning beds by teenage

girls has caused an outcry for new legislation

regulating tanning salons in Washington state.

Research has shown that teens are more likely

to be using tanning beds, which increases their

chances of developing skin cancer later in life.

Artificial UV exposure for children and teenagers

can be so damaging that policymakers in our

state have recently introduced legislation to

regulate indoor tanning for all minors under the

age of 18.

This legislation requires parental consent for

anyone under the age of 18 to use tanning

facilities. Anyone under the age of 14 is

prohibited to use indoor tanning facilities without

a written prescription from a physician. Eye

protection is mandatory for all users. This new

bill is an important first step in helping teenagers

across Washington make healthy choices

regarding their skin.

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Community Health Education & Resources (CHER) is a service of Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS). INHS is a non-profit corporation in Spokane, Washington providing collaboration in health care services on behalf of its member hospitals Deaconess Medical Center, Providence Holy Family Hospital, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital, Valley Hospital & Medical Center and the community.

Protection and Prevention are KEYA combination of early skin exams by a doctor, self exams and these

preventative safety tips are the best way to ensure that you and your

family do not become a statistic in the battle against skin cancer. The

Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a list of the following skin cancer

prevention tips:

• Stay out of the midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Cover up with clothing, including a hat and

UV-blocking sunglasses

• Apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every day, applying 30 minutes

before going outside

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or

excessive sweating

• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. Don’t forget to check

your back, scalp and genital area. You may need a mirror to check

these areas.

• See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam

• Avoid tanning and indoor tanning booths

Understanding UVA and UVBQuestion: What is the difference between UVA and UVB radiation?

Answer: Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation penetrates into the deeper layers

of the skin and plays a major role in skin aging and wrinkling. It may

also initiate and speed up the development of skin cancer. UVA rays

are present during all daylight hours, all year round. UVA radiation can

penetrate glass and clouds.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is responsible for burning, the tanning

process, speeding up of skin aging and plays a key role in the

development of skin cancer. UVB radiation varies by season, location

and time of day. Exposure to the combination of UVB and UVA rays are

extremely dangerous for the skin. Overexposure creates irreversible

damage.

The harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays is why you should

wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher with both UVA and UVB

protection everyday to protect your skin. Remember that your skin

needs to be protected in ALL seasons – not just spring and summer.

Why Self-Exams Are So ImportantSkin cancer is the most common

type of cancer, effecting more

than 1 million Americans each

year. It is also the easiest to

cure, if diagnosed and treated

early. However, when allowed to

progress, skin cancer can result in

disfigurement and even death.

By performing regular skin exams,

you will learn what is normal

for your skin and will be able to

detect any changes. The National

Cancer Institute recommends

you have your skin checked by

a dermatologist once a year.

Throughout the remainder of the

year or between examinations, you

should perform monthly self exams

of your skin. The best time to do

this exam is after a shower or bath,

making sure you check your skin in

a room with plenty of light.

Warning Signs: What to Look For

• New mole (that looks different

from your other moles)

• New red or darker color flaky

patch that may be slightly raised

• New flesh-colored firm bump

• Change in the size, shape, color

or feel of a mole

• Sore that does not heal

If you notice one or more of these

warning signs, see a dermatologist

right away.

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