Cancer is characterized by the rapid
growth of abnormal cells. The occurrence of abnormal cells happens
when the body is exposed to substances or conditions that interfere
cell replication or damage the DNA. Some of these carcinogenic
substances are those found in cigarettes, some insecticides and
several food preservatives. And one condition that damages the
DNA is overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. This UV can come
from tanning beds and tanning booths found in tanning salons.
The link between skin cancer and indoor ultraviolet radiation
exposure has been first established in a study conducted by
Dr. Elizabeth Whitmore, a dermatologist and Associate Professor
of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The results
of her study were published in the Journal of American Academy
of Dermatology in May 2001.
In her study, individuals were exposed to a series of ten full-body
tanning salon treatments. Skin biopsies and blood samples were
examined after the first exposure and then after the tenth exposure.
Alarmingly, the analysis of skin biopsies taken after the first
tanning treatment showed high concentrations of cyclobutane
pyrimidine dimer (CPD). This CPD is the most common type of
DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Any person exposed to the sun will have some CPD on his skin.
But this CPD can be repaired by the body’s own defense system.
The process of repairing CPD is not fast. This is why a protein
called p53 is produced in the skin and blood to slow down the
reproduction process of cells while the CPD in DNA is being
repaired. If the CPD is not repaired, this will lead to skin
mutations that start skin cancer.
With deliberate exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as
those found in tanning salons, the amount of CPD damage reach
high levels that the body may not be able to repair all of it
in time. Dr. Whitmore’s study implies that even though a consumer,
who is conscientious in following all safety instructions, will
still suffer detrimental effects from using a tanning bed. These
effects ultimately lead to skin cancer.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports
the above conclusion. This agency reported that each year about
700 emergencies are caused or related to tanning salon exposure.
Yet, indoor tanning is a progressive industry. In the United
States alone, the tanning salon industry is estimated to be
worth more than two billions. Studies similar to those conducted
by Dr. Whitmore are ignored or simply regarded as exaggerated
doom prophecies. The responsibility, therefore, of preventing
skin cancer from happening lies in the hands of individuals.
