By Lindsay Dickson
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study that suggests the use of tanning beds may double the risk of skin cancer - but do not cancel tanning appointments just yet.
The study involved 1,500 New Hampshire residents who were questioned regarding their sun exposure, use of tanning beds and sun lamps, said Margaret Karagas, epidemiologist and primary author of the study conducted at Dartmouth Medical School.
'The idea behind my research is that people who reported any use of tanning lamps were more likely to develop certain types of skin cancers,' Karagas said.
Joe Levy, vice president of the International Smart Tanning Network, said the study''s findings have nothing to do with the tanning industry of today.
'Over half of the people involved in the study used tanning beds prior to 1975 before commercial tanning began in the United States regulated by FDA standards,' Levy said.
Safe tanning is now regulated by trained technicians supervising tanning, exposure schedules specialized to different skin types and updated equipment, he said.
'They are trying to pound a square peg into a round hole and the public is going to take notice,' he said.
Karagas disagrees and believes the study is relevant today since tanning lamps mimic sunlight and provide such intense, concentrated dose of UV rays.
MaryAnn Jones, communication director for the Utah American Cancer Society said, 'Excessive exposure to UV rays is one of the greatest factors in being diagnosed with skin cancer.'
Sunburns are where the real harm is done, she said.
Levy said, 'Tanning beds, with regulated exposure, are more effective in avoiding sunburns than natural sun exposure.'
The Academy of Dermatologists indicates a nine percent increase nationwide in sunburns since last year, while regular tanners have experienced a decrease in burning because their skin is more acclimated to the sun, he said.
Jodee Zaccardie, tanning salon owner in Provo, said many of her customers tan to avoid getting sunburned.
'When they tan they can gradually increase their sun exposure in a controlled way. They come in two to three times a week for a base tan so they don''t get burned on vacation,' Zaccardie said.
Keragas acknowledged the study does not provide concrete evidence of a direct correlation between tanning beds and skin cancer.
The results prove there is reason to do further research on the matter, she said.
'Skin cancer is the most common cancer and we just want to find out what places people in the greatest risk,' Keragas said.