Tanning
Beds Increase Risk of Melanoma Skin Cancer
Keith D. Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy - July 29, 2009
Tanning beds are now classified as certain to cause melanoma skin cancer by the International Agency for
Research on Cancer.
Tanning beds were previously ranked as probably carcinogenic by the research agency. Their research was
published in the medical journal Lancet Oncology on July 29, 2009.
Tanning beds increased the risk of melanoma by 75% when used by children and young adults
when started before the age of 30.
The American Cancer Society’s web site states that melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in skin cells
called melanocytes that make the skin tan or brown and protect the deeper layers of skin from the sun.
Reference Sources: The Lancet Oncology, July 2009, Volume 10, Number 7; The International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) Web Site, July 29, 2009.
Natural Care Solution Over exposure is the key. Repeating over exposure to ultraviolet rays
causing sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds are intense sources of ultraviolet rays. You do not
get sensation of heat on the skin and it’s easy to overexpose the skin and get a burn. I believe tanning beds
should be avoided. Short term exposure to sunshine and preventing sunburn appear to be the key to prevent skin
cancer.
Skin Cancer Prevention Key Points
1. Obtain a blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Currently we believe blood levels of vitamin D3 should be 50-65
ng/l to decrease the risk of and treat most cancers, osteoporosis and auto-immune diseases.
2. Do not allow your skin to be burned with exposure to sunshine.
3. Do not use tanning beds.
About the
Author:
Keith D. Bishop, Clinical
Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy helps his clients
improve their health by using natural products,
tests and self care. He writes special reports on
natural product, diet and lifestyle effects on
cancer. You may schedule an appointment for
customized natural cancer recommendations by
calling 405.919.1982.
Natural Cancer Reports
-Medical Research Based Natural Cancer Treatment and Alternative Cancer Treatment
Information The information and contents of this website and reports are based upon medical, university
and health industry cancer research information.
Consult with your physician or a qualified health care provider before making any changes in your medical or
cancer treatment program.
^Review Medicinal plants from Peru: a review of plants as potential agents against
cancer. Gonzales GF, Valerio LG Jr.
Anticancer Agents Medicinal Chemistry. 2006 Sep; 6(5):429-44.