New Study Finds Tanning Beds Cause Cancer

If you are looking to get a good tan, a new study suggests staying away from tanning beds.
Experts say tanning beds are definitely able to cause cancer.
A new study, done by international cancer experts, bumps up tanning beds to the top cancer risk category; making them as deadly as arsenic.
Soaking up fake sun is a popular pastime, more than 30 million Americans use tanning beds.

“Tanning, just like everything else, done in moderation and being personally responsible goes a long way,” says Barbara Moore, co-owner of Golddiggers Tanning Salon in Columbus.

Moore says tanning beds are safe, as long as you use them the right way.

“Yes, there are dangers, nothing is safe.  The drinking water is not safe but I feel indoor tanning is much safer than outdoor tanning because it’s controlled,” says Moore.

Experts say if you use tanning beds before you are 35 years old, you are 75% more likely to get melanoma.
From 1980 to 2004, the number of melanoma cases in white women age 15 to 39 has doubled.
Columbus dermatologist, Thomas Steinberg, says he’s seen an increase at his clinic.

“It’s now the most common cancer,” says Steinberg.

Dr. Steinberg understands that people will tan but says be smart about it.

“If people are going to tan, do it rationally, maintain a reasonable number of sessions,” says Steinberg.
Dr. Steinberg says melanoma is 99 percent treatable if detected early.
He suggests that everyone should check their skin regularly and notify a doctor if anything seems usual or changes.
The American Academy of Dermatology discourages tanning.
http://www.aad.org/