Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. In response, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a call to action to prevent skin cancer. The Surgeon General noted that despite the fact that most skin cancer is preventable, the rates of skin cancer are on the rise. This is particularly troubling because it is the most common cancer among teens and young adults. The Call to Action states:
“While many other cancers, such as lung cancer, are decreasing, rates of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — are increasing,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H. “As a skin oncologist who worked in this field for many years, I have cared for both the young and old with skin cancers. Almost all of these cancers were caused by unnecessary ultraviolet radiation exposure, usually from excessive time in the sun or from the use of indoor tanning devices.”
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Each year, more than 63,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. and nearly 9,000 people die from this disease. Rates of melanoma increased more than 200 percent from 1973 to 2011. Melanoma is also one of the most common types of cancer among U.S. teens and young adults.
According to research cited in the Call to Action, more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer, about 6,000 of which are melanomas, are estimated to be related to indoor tanning in the U.S. each year. Currently, as many as 44 states plus the District of Columbia have some type of law or regulation related to indoor tanning, but nearly one out of every three white women aged 16 to 25 years engages in indoor tanning each year.
The fact is that tanned skin is damaged skin and there is no good that can result from indoor tanning. The risks of a sun tan are well established, whether that tan is results from sun exposure outdoors or from “controlled” radiation exposure in a tanning salon.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with skin cancer and have a history of indoor tanning, please contact an attorney with Nidel Law today.
