Tanning beds linked to skin cancer increase - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Tanning beds linked to skin cancer increase

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By Karen Cohilas - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – More Americans are getting skin cancer, and dermatologists blame tanning beds.  They say the increase in tanning bed exposure is leading to an increase in skin cancer... especially in young women.     

Dr. Stuart Goldsmith says everyone should be aware that there is no such thing as a safe tan.  He said, "It's really tanning bed exposure and it's also just tan seeking behavior.  It's unfortunate that there is a lot of peer pressure to get tans.  It still is a socially appealing thing to do."

Melanoma only makes up 3% of all skin cancers, but it is the deadliest form, killing 8,000 people each year.    

In addition to an increased cancer risk, Dr. Goldsmith says tanning also creates wrinkles and sunspots which patients complain about as they get older.


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