Indoor Tanning is Out Campaign by Dermatologists

The Canadian Dermatology Association is actively campaigning to caution people against the dangers of indoor skin tanning, including the increased risk of melanoma or skin cancer. The 'Indoor Tanning is Out' campaign, which runs from February 1, 2010 through June, 2010, is getting the word out as part of the CDA Sun Awareness Program.

Research has shown that people who use indoor tanning beds before the age of 30 have a significantly increased melanoma risk. Sunbeds (UV tanning bed) were recently moved up to the highest cancer risk category.

CDA president Yves Poulin stated in a CDA press release, ' Since one Canadian dies of skin cancer about every seven hours, it is imperative that young people avoid deliberately seeking a tan.' The 'Indoor Tanning is Out' is designed to publicize the risks of indoor tanning and skin cancer.

The campaign is targeted at young women, because they are statistically the people most likely to use indoor tanning beds. According to information from CDA, 70% of the people who use indoor tanning equipment are women aged between 16 and 29 years old.

Most likely, the majority of the young women who are using indoor tanning equipment believe that tanning makes them more attractive. They may not be aware that indoor tanning puts them at risk of getting skin cancer.

The CDA is using a peer to peer approach to reach these women by featuring women in the campaign that they can relate to. The women make statements that they tanned for beauty but ended up getting skin cancer. The melanoma survivors will communicate through the media that they through tanning made them beautiful, but they ending up battling melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

The Canadian Dermatology Association 'Indoor Tanning is Out' campaign is spreading the message with posters and public service announcements on television and radio.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is higher for people who use indoor tanning equipment, spend a lot of time in the sun, have been sunburned, have flight coloring, have a family member with skin cancer or are over age 50. Some risk factors, like family history or having light colors skin, hair and eyes cannot be changed. People can reduce their skin cancer risk by avoiding excessive sun and by avoiding indoor tanning.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, please consult a physician.

Resources

Canadian Dermatology Association

National Institute of Health

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