Does Tanning Cause Skin Cancer - Essay Example

"Does Tanning Cause Skin Cancer" is a wonderful example of a paper on dermatology. Skin cancer is all about abnormal cell changes in the outer layer of the skin. This is the most reported case in terms of cancer making an approximate 75% of all cancer diagnoses. However, this disease is curable despite the fact that it is a problematic health concern that is of major concern due to the fact that it affects very many people (SUN-WATERHOUSE, 2011). There are a higher number of cases of skin cancer despite the fact that this can be prevented by limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays or radiation.

It is worth noting that this type of cancer is highly reported on men as compared to women since men are likely to be affected 3 times as compared to women (AGNEW, GILCHREST & BUNKER, 2005).  The age bracket highly affected are those between 45 and 54 of age. Many cancers are caused by ultra-violet radiation as this tends to suppress the immune functionality and aging. Basing on the above fact about cancer, there is an issue that was revealed through research conducted by World Health Organisation (WHO), that tanning beds, which are considered Ultra-violet radiation-emitting devices, are among the most dangerous forms of cancer-causing radiations.

These facts revealed that young people below age 30, who use sunbeds, are at a higher risk of getting melanoma which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Facts also reveal that tans don’t matter were obtained from, lead to skin cell damage. This in turn can lead to premature skin aging which comprises the likes of wrinkles, brown spots on the skin, lax skin, and others, not forgetting skin cancer. On the same breath, 74% of those people who use indoor tanning beds are most likely to get hold of melanoma compared to those who use outdoor tanning (Skin Cancer Foundation).

Evidently, from a study conducted on 406,696 participants in the United States titled “International Prevalence of Indoor Tanning -- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” which was conducted by JAMA Dermatology, the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking was surprisingly low in comparison to the number of cases of people with skin cancer due to tanning. However, due to society perceiving tanning as a source of acquiring beauty, people, in particular, young people, few adults, and also college students still indulge in the act. This is totally unresponsive to a warning issued by the WHO of the negative consequences of indoor tanning and tanning as a whole (Skin Cancer Foundation).

Most people would like to acquire vitamin D using simple methods like busking in the sun since its deficiency may lead to multiple sclerosis. However, there are other sources of vitamin D like olive oil, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, orange juice, cereals, and milk among others. Sun exposure should be used on a limited basis as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

In conclusion, it is imperative to note that evidently, for years, sunscreen usage has helped in the reduction of skin pre-cancer. This is also referred to commonly as actinic keratosis. In addition to this cancer, it also helps reduce squamous cell carcinoma. However, frequent usage of the latter on a daily basis helps prevent melanoma (Green & Williams, 2007). I do strongly concur with the facts relayed that tanning does cause skin cancer. In this regard, preventive measures should be beneficial in its prevention. Organizations should pass the message vividly to people on the effects and consequences of tanning.

 

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