News Release
For Immediate Release: May 3, 2011
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7730
There Is No Such Thing As A “Safe Tan”
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection
and Prevention Month
May 2011
Skin cancer affects all skin types. The number of people with melanoma, particularly young women, has been increasing for several years according to the National Cancer Institute. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2010, approximately 1,290 Marylanders and 68,130 persons in the United States were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The major groups of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma skin cancers, which develop from the cells that produce melanin for skin color, are less common, but can spread to other parts of the body and account for 75% of skin cancer deaths.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and from artificial tanning devices (tanning lamps and tanning booths) is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer. Scientific evidence shows that indoor tanning devices are “carcinogenic to humans” and Maryland has acted to restrict tanning facilities usage my minors.
People can reduce their risk for melanoma and other skin cancer by avoiding tanning devices, limiting exposure to sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., wearing sun-protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection, and using sunscreens and lip balms with a SPF of 15 or higher when exposed to the sun—even in cloudy conditions. There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is the skin's response to injury.
Other major risk factors for melanoma include having a history of childhood sunburn, certain types of moles, fair skin, freckles, red or blond hair, and personal and family history of skin cancers. Spots on the skin that are new or that change in size, shape, or color require physician attention.
The Garrett County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and partners, such as the Maryland Skin Cancer Prevention Program of the Center for a Healthy Maryland, are educating Maryland residents about protecting their skin from both natural and artificial sources of UV radiation.