World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reports the use of ultraviolet tanning beds increases the risk of cancer by 75 percent if used before the age of 30. The WHO has also upgraded the cancer risk posed by tanning beds from likely to definite.”
Research indicates that “tanned skin (even a slow and steady base tan) is damaged skin. It is particularly harmful to teens – see report below
Demko (2003) surveyed 7,000 teenagers and found that indoor tanning among white teenagers is significant, with 30% to 40% of 16 to 18-year-old white females using tanning booths, many of them repeatedly. Continued use of a tanning bed or sunlamp is especially dangerous for teenagers because they are still experiencing tremendous growth at the cellular level and the skin cells are dividing more rapidly than they do during adulthood (Fox as cited in Rados, 2005).
(Click on a risk factor for more information)
Fair Skin, Light Colored Eyes, Blonde, Red or Light Brown Hair
Freckles or Many Moles on the Body
Dysplastic Nevi (Abnormal Moles)
Childhood sun exposure, and a burn before the age of 18
Considerable Sun Exposure or Use of Tanning Beds / Booths