The Numbers Tell A Grim Tale

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Steven Berk

 The number of melanoma cases is increasing at a rate higher than any other form of cancer. And a disproportionate amount of these new cases are found in young women.

Since 1980, the incidence of melanoma in younger women has jumped 50%, while rates among younger men remain unchanged. Melanoma has become the most prevalent cancer among women ages 25-29, and the second most prevalent cancer (behind breast cancer) among women ages 30-34.

Many researchers say the gender and age-specific nature of aggressive melanoma rates is a result of the burgeoning indoor tanning industry. And the numbers seem to add up. Of the 30 million patrons who use indoor tanning salons each year, 71% of them are young girls and women ages 16-29.

Two cancer survivors and spokeswomen for the American Association of Dermatology (AAD), Brittany Lietz and Meghan Rothschild, have no doubt that their own bouts with skin cancer arose from their use of tanning beds as teens.

"There's no doubt in my mind that my indoor tanning caused my skin cancer,” says Rothschild. “I wasn't a beach baby. I knew indoor tanning was bad for me. I knew what I was doing to my body, but I always thought it wouldn't happen to me." Lietz agrees that her addiction to indoor tanning is what landed her in the hospital three years later, fighting the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Both young women stress the severity and brutality of skin cancer.

"I want people to understand how serious skin cancer is," Rothschild says in her AAD patient profile. "I had drainage tubes in me. I couldn't lift anything over 20 pounds for six months. I'm fortunate my skin cancer was diagnosed before it was too late.”

"I was in a lot of pain," describes Lietz. “My pictures after surgery are so graphic that some people have become physically ill looking at them."

Lietz, winner of the 2006 Miss Maryland title, tries to convey the dangers of indoor tanning to the youth groups she speaks to. "I tell the students that if indoor tanning is such a risk, why would they take it?" And she issues the ultimate warning: “I don't want anyone to go through what I have. I keep reminding people that skin cancer can happen to you. You're not immune to this.”

Despite increased publicity and awareness, made possible by advocates like Lietz and Rothschild, many girls remain unaware or unresponsive to the dangers associated with tanning beds. At a time when more and more girls are entering tanning salons at younger and younger ages, the future is nothing short of frightening.

Assisted by Jess Begen

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Indoor Tanning Risks

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Steven Berk

This past July, indoor tanning joined the ranks of cigarettes and arsenic, finally earning classification as a bona fide carcinogenic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an expert committee of the World Health Organization, placed tanning beds in the highest risk category, declaring them “carcinogenic to humans." 

Indoor tanning in the U.S. makes up a $5 billion industry, with 25,000 professional indoor tanning facility businesses and a customer base of 30 million people. Each year, 10% of Americans visit an indoor tanning facility. 2.3 million are teenagers. 71% are women aged 16-29.

On its public website, the Indoor Tanning Association heralds the benefits of indoor tanning. ITA says tanning is natural—“what your body is designed to do.” Moderate exposure to the sun or UV light is “absolutely” good for you and in fact, indoor tanning is actually safer than outdoor tanning. Skin cancer—the elephant in the room—merits no concern, says ITA. There is no association or “connection between melanoma and UV exposure from tanning beds.”

The tanning industry markets itself as a healthy and beneficial service. “Tanning is a lifestyle. Tanning is relaxing and makes us look good and feel good. So why not celebrate it?!” asks the 2008/2009 LOOKING FIT ® Tanning Fact Book.

According to medical experts, there is little reason to celebrate. There is “convincing evidence to support a causal relationship” between indoor tanning and melanoma, says the IARC report. Moreover, the study suggests that indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for young customers, since exposure to indoor tanning before the age of 35 may increase melanoma risk by 75%. And all of this is taking place as melanoma rates continue to skyrocket.

Despite the high risk, teenagers are a prime demographic of the tanning industry. Most of the 2.3 million teen customers are girls. A 2000 survey found that 42% of teen girls had tried indoor tanning. That’s nearly half of all American teenage girls—a startling statistic.

Research suggests that these girls are influenced by an adolescent culture that worships tan skin. Although many teens are aware of the health risks associated with tanning, they continue to seek UV ray exposure. "We're so wrapped up in the instant gratification we don't really worry about it," explains one teen.

But that instant gratification has consequences, above all for young tanners. Professor of Public Health at San Diego State University, Joni Mayer, says that tanning is dangerous for all, but especially for teens because they “are very interested in looking tan and don't often think about the consequences of any of their behaviors."

Mayer’s solution is simple: "Our data and other data indicate that those under age 17 need to be banned from tanning beds."

Assisted by Jess Begen.

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Indoor Tanning Series

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Steven Berk

New authoritative studies continue to confirm the significant link between indoor tanning and cancer. Despite these reports, teens and young adults continue to visit tanning salons in record numbers.

Surprisingly, the public remains largely silent as this public health risk progresses. The strongest voice in this debate comes from the indoor tanning industry, which continues to extol the false virtues and health benefits of indoor tanning. Where is the public outrage?

Our law firm has a keen interest in halting the availability of indoor tanning to minors and strengthening the disclosure of risks to young adults. This is an important public health issue. We are devoting a three-part series to: 1) explain the cancer risks of indoor tanning; 2) explain the results of indoor tanning; and 3) analyze the responses to indoor tanning.

We hope this series generates a response from teens that are at risk of indoor tanning and their families. It is time to engage in a meaningful conversation on how we can move forward to protect youth from the significant and real cancer risk associated with indoor tanning. 

Assisted by Jess Begen. 

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