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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. |
