What is the Relationship Between Tanning and Skin Cancer?

The relationship between tanning and skin cancer suggests that researchers have found a direct connection between them. Tanning either by natural means or artificially can lead to a significant increase in the probability of developing skin cancer later in life. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous; some studies have shown that using a tanning bed just once a month raises the skin cancer risk over 50 percent. Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can also damage the DNA in the skin cells, and which makes skin cancer more likely to develop, particularly among fair skinned people. Experts recommend avoiding the indoor tanning beds and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen during outdoor activities.

Simply stated, the relationship between tanning and skin cancer is that one is directly linked to the other. Tanning by any method is correlated to an increased risk of skin cancer. The types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma; tanning can cause any of them. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type and can be fatal if not caught early. In particular, tanning at a young age is associated with an extremely high risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Although a tan from sun exposure outdoors increases the cancer risk, indoor tanning beds are considered much more dangerous. The correlation between indoor tanning and skin cancer is quite high. Some researchers say that just one session in an indoor tanning bed significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, those who utilize indoor tanning beds are "74 percent more likely to develop melanoma" than non-users. Regular use, such as monthly tanning sessions over a long period of time, increases the risk the most.

The reason that there is such a strong link between tanning and skin cancer is because of the exposure of the skin to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, known as UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged or repeated exposure can actually damage the DNA of the skin cells, thereby paving the way for the development of skin cancer. This is much more likely to occur among fair skinned people and especially among redheads who have a risk four times higher than those with brown or black hair and darker complexions. Blonds with pale skin have a risk twice as high.

Since the link between tanning and skin cancer is known, there are ways to reduce the risk. Experts encourage people to let go of the idea that a tan is healthy looking or more attractive. They recommend completely avoiding indoor tanning beds. Sunscreen should be worn during outdoor activities to prevent skin damage. Methods such as sunless tanning lotions and sprays that don't involve any UV exposure are generally considered to be the only safe way to get a tan.