Pediatrics group warns parents about teens and tanning beds

Mom and dad have been warned by the American Academy of Pediatrics that tanning beds put their teenage kids at a heightened risk for cancer of the skin. Teenage tanning bed use, particularly among girls, is increasing. Several studies have found a correlation between tanning bed use among the young and increased skin cancer risk. Laws barring teenagers from using indoor tanning facilities are being recommending by pediatric and dermatological groups in the U.S..

Teens getting skin cancer from tanning

The American Academy of Pediatrics made a statement on ultraviolet radiation. This suggested that teenagers, due to cancer risks, shouldn't be allowed to do any indoor tanning. The statement, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, called for pediatricians to push for legislation prohibiting access to indoor tanning for those 18 and younger. An advisory panel to the Food and drug administration on tanning bed risks has also recommended either prohibiting the use of tanning beds by a teen outright or requiring parental consent. Anybody with a history of melanoma or kids who easily get sunburned or freckles need to be educated about UV protection, which the AAP expects parents to do.

Using a tanning bed risky for teenagers

Indoor tanning salons are used in the U.S. by many people. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery said it was over 1 million individuals. Women and girls between the ages of 16 and 29 years old make up about 70 percent of tanning bed users. In a news release the ASDS said that melanoma is probably the most common skin cancer in kids, followed by basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Just six severe sunburns in a lifetime increase the risk of melanoma by 50 percent. About 35 percent of 17 year old girls will use 10 to 15 times the UV radiation than the sun produces at noon while in tanning beds, in accordance with the AAP. When indoor tanning is done before age 35, the chance of melanoma increased in seven scientific studies.

Teenagers can't use tanning beds with ban in place

There’s a good chance the Food and Drug Administration will not change requirements on teens. This is despite the tanning connection to cancer that has been brought forth. This is not typical though. Typically the panels' advice is taken and used to make decisions. Minor use of indoor tanning is regulated. About 60 percent of U.S. states have this regulation. There is no evidence that teens and skin cancer are connected, in accordance with the Indoor Tanning Association that suggests mom and dad, not the government, are responsible for making decisions on this.

Information from

U.S. News and World Report

health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/infectious-diseases/articles/2011/02/28/pediatricians-group-backs-ban-on-tanning-booth-use-by-minors

Med Page Today

medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/25085

CNN

cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/28/tanning.skin.cancer/