Opinion:
The perils of tanning

by Sean O'Brien, posted Dec. 3, 2009

The University of Missouri’s Recreation Center is a place that promotes healthy lifestyles by providing exercise equipment, training tools and services ranging from health classes to sports competitions. The facility “aspires to be the best part of your Mizzou day and your first choice for health,” according to its mission statement.

Yet, even with the promotion of healthiness and fitness, the Recreation Center is home of a spa, which provides a contradiction to all that the Recreation Center tries to encourage — tanning beds.

“I know that tanning is bad for me, but I choose to tan anyway,” said Katie Harrison, a student who previously had skin cancer and still tans. “I think I am addicted in a way. Bedsides, tanning beds are supposed to be better than regular sunbathing.”

Tanning occurs when ultraviolet rays, also know as UV rays, are emitted by the sun and stimulate the body’s skin cells to make melanin, which determines skin pigmentation, otherwise known as skin color. Skin tans because melanin absorbs the UV rays and offers limited protection.

“Any overexposure to the sun is extremely harmful to your skin,” said Dr. Robyn Stengel, dermatologist. “You should never be exposed to the sun’s rays without protection.”

There are two main types of UV rays involved with sunrays. UVA rays have long wavelengths and overexposure to these rays can cause premature aging, sagging and wrinkling. Most sunscreens do not protect your skin against UVA rays, but rather, they defend UVB rays from entering into skin cells. UVB rays have a medium wavelength and overexposure to these rays cause sunburns.

“Your body can only take so much sunlight before an excess amount will cause skin cancer to develop,” Stengel said. “People with paler skin are more likely to get skin cancer than people with darker pigmentation.”

Around 70,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer and between two and three million cases occur globally each year, said Patricia Friedrichsen, MU biology professor.

“There are three main types of skin cancer, however, melanoma is the most lethal type,” said Friedrichsen. “The other two skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.”

A skin cancer lesion looks very similar to a regular mole, so to find out if a mole is cancerous, there are four signs to check for, using the ABC’s, said Stengel.

• “A” stands for asymmetrical and if the spot lacks symmetry, then there is a chance it might be cancerous.
• “B” stands for border, meaning that a cancerous lesion might lack a well-defined edge.
• “C” represents color and is determined by inconsistency in shade.
• “D” is diameter and there is a chance of skin cancer if the spot is larger than an eraser on a number two pencil.

To be sure if a mole is cancerous, or if you have any suspicion whatsoever, you should see your local dermatologist.

“My motto is, to prevent skin cancer, follow the four S’s,” Friedrichsen said. “Slip on protective clothing; slop on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15; slap on a hat; slide on sunglasses that meet ANSI UV requirements. There is no such thing as a safe tan.”

There are ways to get a tanned appearance, while avoiding exposure to the sun. One possibility is to use “tan in a can,” also known as tanning lotions. Spray tanning is an option as well. These practices avoid overexposure to UV rays, while giving the appearance of tan skin.

Although, with all of these cautions and substitute options in mind, some people still choose to use tanning beds.

“I guess that I would rather live with the consequences later in life,” said Alexis Hendrickson. “I like being tan and I think I look better. It is not about the health issues.”

Tanning is becoming more and more socially preferred in the American culture. The MU Recreation Center claims to focus on the health of its students, however, they are encouraging skin cancer through their tanning beds.

“I would rather live a long life than look like leather and get skin cancer,” said Jasmine Tillotson. “People don’t realize what they are doing to their bodies just to look good.”

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer in the world, and yet, it is increasing in popularity each year. The implications can no longer be overlooked and the risks cannot be ignored when it comes to tanning.  

The Recreation Center and Spa choose not to comment.

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