The Daily Mail is reporting that the new research has debunked claims that a light tan can actually protect people from skin cancer. Even moderate exposure to the sun can be deadly, the study found. It also determined that tanning beds pose a higher risk than previously thought.
"This is the first time that UV-induced melanin formation (tanning), traditionally thought to protect against skin cancer, is shown to be directly involved in melanoma formation in mammals," said Professor Edward De Fabo, who led the study.
Using a unique UV (ultra violet) light system, De Fabo's team was able to separate UVA from UVB rays which were then tested on animal models.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, of the two rays emitted by the sun, UVA is the most damaging. It is also the type most people are exposed to throughout their lives. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent.
"UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), but until recently scientists believed it did not cause significant damage in areas of the epidermis (outermost skin layer) where most skin cancers occur," the site explains. "Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. (Basal and squamous cells are types of keratinocytes.) UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers."
The problem with tanning booths is that they primarily emit UVA at rates of up to 12 times that of the sun. Consequently, people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. Recent research found that first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.
Professor De Fabo says his new research is just confirming what dermatologists have been saying for years.
" . . . (T)here is no such thing as a safe tan and this new data appears to confirm this."
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