To people that Tan.

[All!e]

I have a question for all those that tan ... (indoor & outdoor)

Why do you all want cancer so badly?

Chemotherapy, losing your hair, vomiting, wasting away, and thinking you're going to die day after day -- is that really what you want to look forward to?! I was diagnosed at 4 and have been dealing with cancer my entire life. Trust me, it's not FUN.

allie


I've just noticed a lot of post's about tanning lately and it really bothers me so I thought I would ask.

[All!e]

On another note .... Yes I know not everyone who tan's will get skin cancer. But since 1/3 people (I believe) get cancer in their lifetime, I don't understand why you would want to speed up the process.

[pillowstealer]

I cant tan... even if i wanted to i cant tan... So i dont see the point in even trying anymore. YAY FOR SUNBLOCK! *dances around in all her paper white skin*

[Cdn_Brdr]

I see what you're saying Allie.... obviously I can completely understand how you feel about the subject. I don't think that makes it right to go preachy on people about it though.

[ppcock]

the answer to the question nobody asked.. LISA SIMPSONS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

[miss.myra]

My condolences go out to you and to anyone who has to suffer with this disease.

But seriously, are you going to post every day for every single different carcinogen? Why not make a post to smokers? People who consume products containing aspertame or pesticides? People who expose themselves to air pollution?

like seeeriously.

[meth0dical]

seeeriously, lose the dragged on woooords. regards.

[.muffy.]

^ shuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut upppppppppppppppp

[pbreak]

Sunlight (especially the UV part thereof) is an absolute necessity for the proper function of the human body, without it we end up with nasty diseases such as rickets. The vast majority of vitamin D (not actually a vitamin) is created from exposure to sunlight, and many prominent doctors feel that the health benefits of exposure to moderate amounts of sunlight (or even tanning) far outway the risks posed by skin cancer, and they also believe that the majority of us do not get enough. (this is also linked to seasonal depression disorder)

The following is taken from: http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hboo.../vitamind.html

"Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that has long been known for its important role in regulating body levels of calcium and phosphorus, and in mineralization of bone. More recently, it has become clear that receptors for vitamin D are present in a wide variety of cells, and that this hormone has biologic effects which extend far beyond control of mineral metabolism.


Structure and Synthesis
The term vitamin D actually refers to a group of steroid molecules. Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol is generated in the skin of animals when light energy is absorbed by a precursor molecule 7-dehydrocholesterol. Vitamin D is thus not a true vitamin, because individuals with adequate exposure to sunlight do not require dietary supplementation. There are dietary sources of vitamin D, including egg yolk, fish oil and a number of plants. The plant form of vitamin D is called vitamin D2 or ergosterol. However, natural diets typically do not contain adequate quantities of vitamin D, and exposure to sunlight or consumption of foodstuffs purposefully supplemented with vitamin D are necessary to prevent deficiencies."

There is a lot more on this page as well.

Cancer is a matter of probability period. We might get much better at treating it and lowering the probability of its occurence, but it will never completely disappear simply by the nature of the disease. Basically, tanning moderately is a gamble - but with a huge payoff and actually a very low risk.

[pbreak]

another good site

http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james4.htm

[ty:rone]

a lotta girls like to look pretty and would do whatever it takes. it's nothing new. besides, you're gonna get cancer from everything else even if u didn't suntan. science these days....

[bungoshlung]

i only tan in the summer in which i usually only go once or twice to the beach with sunblock so that lower my chance a bit.

i dunno, it fdoesnt bother me that much cause i *think i'm doing it in moderation.. and what cant you get cancer from these days anyways? lol

i find it odd that some girls tan year round, i mean.. you can totally tell its fake

i cant tan.... i wouldnt if i could...i wear sunscreen everyday even in winter lol im like sun paranoid ..

the spray on tan s eems like a safe alternative=) *waves* HI ALLIE! long time no talky how ya been?

i cant tan much either :S

[lou_belle]

Originally Posted by miss.myra

My condolences go out to you and to anyone who has to suffer with this disease.

But seriously, are you going to post every day for every single different carcinogen? Why not make a post to smokers? People who consume products containing aspertame or pesticides? People who expose themselves to air pollution?

like seeeriously.

All of those things you listed don't have anything to do with products that change the color of your skin or your appearance.
Tanning is an example of the callow disreguard young dumb teenagers have for their bodies.
Smoking is an addiction.
Aspartame is a sweetener.
Pesticides are on everything unless you want to pay more for organic. So please...if you want to offend the girl at least think before doing it.

like seeeriously :)

*retarded girly voice* "Yeah...like we are all gonna shield ourselves from pollution in BuBBLes!"

*nice tan*

[aCiDPt]

All tanning is harmful to your skin. 85% of sun damage occurs before you are 18. 30 minutes in a sun tan parlor is like laying out in the sun all day long. People who visit sun tan parlors are 21/2 times more likely to get skin cancer and 50% more likely to get melanoma.
Michael S. Fisher, Ph.D., M.D.

[mugsy]

i agree with allie emensely, but i also agree with myra.
the type of cancer my dad has is genetic, which scares the shit out of me, plus skin cancer has been lobbed off both my parents more times than i can count....... sometimes cancer is unpreventable, HOWEVER i personally take every step i can to prevent it. which not only includes avoiding tanning, but also changing diet, and when im done school and have time on my hands, changing my exercise routine.
until people are affected by it, they dont really know and wont be prevented from doing what they want to do, its the honest truth.

p.s. you can suck up good thigns from the sun without getting a tan. put on a hat, put on some sunblock, wear something more than an itsy-bitsy bikini. people who obtain skin cancer are usually the ones that sunbathe i.e. spend hours in the sun with oils on their body.
if anyone wants to hear more about suncancer check out the cancer society's website, or at your local hospital there are plenty of pamphletes on how to enjoy the suns warmth without the harm.

[tvmann]

All!e's only posted twice in the last month. What's wrong with the rare post here on something that's important?

The big C eventually effects everyone.

Originally Posted by miss.myra

My condolences go out to you and to anyone who has to suffer with this disease.

But seriously, are you going to post every day for every single different carcinogen? Why not make a post to smokers? People who consume products containing aspertame or pesticides? People who expose themselves to air pollution?

like seeeriously.

[pbreak]

Originally Posted by mugsy

p.s. you can suck up good thigns from the sun without getting a tan. put on a hat, put on some sunblock, wear something more than an itsy-bitsy bikini. people who obtain skin cancer are usually the ones that sunbathe i.e. spend hours in the sun with oils on their body.
if anyone wants to hear more about suncancer check out the cancer society's website, or at your local hospital there are plenty of pamphletes on how to enjoy the suns warmth without the harm.

you're right about sunbathing being too much, but a sunblock of SPF 8 blocks 95% of vitamin D production, SPF 15+ basically blocks all production, thus ellimating the healthy effects of the sun. Apparently some of the highest occurences of vitamin D deficiencies occur in some of the sunniest places in the world, and especially among women, because of cultural rules/laws requiring head to toe clothing.. of course this is referring to Islamic countries in the middle east.

no one said you shouldn't take steps to avoid cancer as best as possible, my diet and (most of) my lifestyle reflects this, it's basically just being healthy period - but this topic is specifically about getting sunshine, and apparently no amount of doctors or common sense will be able to convince some people that for most people getting lots of sunshine will always be a much better thing than a bad thing - it's a balance thing, people have been walking the earth naked in the sun for hundreds of thousands of years and yet the human race has not all died from skin cancer. In some northern countries (ex. Norway) they actually provide UV lights for kids during the winter when there is no sun because they are aware of the damaging effects of NOT getting sunshine... educate yourself and read up on this, you might find it interesting.

[aCiDPt]

Originally Posted by pbreak

but this topic is specifically about getting sunshine, and apparently no amount of doctors or common sense will be able to convince some people that for most people getting lots of sunshine will always be a much better thing than a bad thing

hummm i have major problems with this statement. gettin lots of uv rays is not a "much better thing than a bad thing" for most people.....
go talk 2 a dermatologist. i'm talkin 2 1 rightnow, they wanna ban tanning beds altogether.


Darker Side of Tanning

Copyrighted Material: Not for Reproduction or Distribution

Dermatologists and public health professionals are concerned about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Two types of ultraviolet radiation are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB has long been associated with sunburn while UVA has been recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation that causes more damage.

Although it's been known for some time that too much UV radiation can be harmful, new information may now make these warnings even more important. Some scientists have suggested recently that there may be an association between UVA radiation and melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

What are the dangers of tanning?
UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, or sun lamps may cause skin cancer. While skin cancer has been associated with sunburn, moderate tanning may also produce the same effect. UV radiation can also have a damaging effect on the immune system and cause premature aging of the skin, giving it a wrinkled, leathery appearance.

But isn't getting some sun good for your health?
People sometimes associate a suntan with good health and vitality. In fact, just a small amount of sunlight is needed for the body to manufacture vitamin D. It doesn't take much sunlight to make all the vitamin D you can use - certainly far less than it takes to get a suntan!

Are people actually being harmed by sunlight?
Yes. The number of skin cancer cases has been rising over the years, and experts say that this is due to increasing exposure to UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. More than 1.3 million new skin cancer cases are likely to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year.

But aren't the types of skin cancer caused by the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps easily curable?
Not necessarily. Melanoma, now with a suspected link to UVA exposure, is often fatal if not detected early. The number of cases of melanoma is rising in the U.S., with an estimated 47,700 new cases and 7,700 deaths anticipated this year.

Why doesn't the skin of young people show these harmful effects?
Skin aging and cancer are delayed effects that don't usually show up until many years after the exposure. Unfortunately, since the damage is not immediately visible, young people are often unaware of the dangers of tanning. 80% of sun damage occurs before age 18. Physicians and scientists are especially concerned that cases of skin cancer will continue to increase as people who are tanning now in their teens and twenties reach middle age.

But why is it that some people can tan for many years and still not show damage?
People who choose to tan are greatly increasing their risk of developing skin cancer. This is especially true if tanning occurs over a period of years, because damage to the skin accumulates. Moreover, premature aging of the skin with wrinkles will occur in everyone who is repeatedly exposed to the sun over a long time, although the damage may be less apparent and take longer to show up in people with darker skin.

Who is at greatest risk in the sun?
People with skin types I, II, and III are at greatest risk.

Which skin type are you?

Skin Sunburn and Tanning History According to Skin TypeI. Pale white skinAlways burns; never tansII. WhiteBurns easily; tans minimallyIII. White (Average)Burns moderately; tans gradually to light brownIV. Beige or lightly tannedBurns minimally; always tans well to moderately brownV. Moderate brown or tannedRarely burns; tans profusely to darkVI. Dark brown or blackNever burns; deeply pigmented
Since most sun lamps and tanning beds emit UVA radiation, doesn't that make them safer than natural sunlight?
No. It's true that most sun lamps and tanning beds emit mainly UVA radiation, and that these so-called "tanning rays" are less likely to cause a sunburn than UVB radiation from sunlight. But, contrary to the claims of some tanning parlors, that doesn't make them safe. UVA rays have a suspected link to melanoma, and like UVB rays, they also may be linked to immune system damage and premature skin aging.

What's the government's position on using sun lamp products found in tanning parlors and in homes?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage people to avoid use of tanning beds and sun lamps. You can get a fact sheet on the hazards of indoor tanning from the FDA's Facts on Demand system by calling 1-800-899-0381; the information will be faxed to you on the same day (select 2 and then Division of Device User Programs and Systems Analysis or DDUPSA). You can also go to the FDA Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.fda.gov or go to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.aad.org.

What do medical professionals and the American Academy of Dermatology say about tanning?
The American Medical Association (AMA) and the AAD have warned people for many years about the dangers of tanning. In fact, the AMA and AAD have urged action that would ban the sale and use of tanning equipment for non-medical purposes. Doctors and public health officials have recommended the following steps to minimize the sun's damage to the skin and eyes:

Tips to Avoid Sun Damage

• Plan your outdoor activities to avoid the sun's strongest rays.
• As a general rule, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear protective covering such as broad-brimmed hats, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts to reduce sun exposure.
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection.
• When outdoors, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or greater, which will block both UVA and UVB, and apply it thirty minutes before sun exposure.

For more information on the levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching your area at noon, you can get the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) from local newspapers, radio, or TV in many cities. The UVI is a number from 0-10. The higher the number, the more intense the exposure. Call the EPA Hotline for more information on the UVI at 1-800-296-1996.

For treatment, if you believe that some damage has already been done:

• Seek medical attention from your dermatologist to evaluate if you received skin or eye damage from the sun or if you experienced an allergic reaction to the sun.
• See your dermatologist if you develop an unusual mole, a scaly patch or a sore that doesn't heal. You may have developed a pre-cancer or a skin cancer. Your dermatologist can also repair and reverse sun-damaged wrinkles through medical treatments and dermatologic surgery.

[aCiDPt]

Originally Posted by pbreak

you're right about sunbathing being too much, but a sunblock of SPF 8 blocks 95% of vitamin D production, SPF 15+ basically blocks all production, thus ellimating the healthy effects of the sun.

The Myths and Realities of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure
American Academy of Dermatology Challenges Validity of Recent Claims Promoting Health Benefits of Intentional Sun Exposure
NEW YORK (May 3, 2004) – Recent media coverage of unsubstantiated reports linking the health benefits of vitamin D to unprotected sun exposure is leading to further confusion among the public. For decades, dermatologists have advised the public to practice proper sun protection to prevent skin cancer – and that same advice holds true today, despite any claims to the contrary.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., clinical professor, New York University Medical Center in New York City, debunked the current myths about vitamin D and offered practical advice on getting an adequate supply of this nutrient.

"As a dermatologist who treats the ravages of skin cancer on a daily basis, it is appalling to me that anyone in good conscience could make the claim that intentional sun exposure – for any length of time – is beneficial," stated Dr. Rigel. "The fact is, skin cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and scientific research confirms that our best defense is avoiding excessive, unprotected sun exposure."

Dr. Rigel addressed the most common myths about vitamin D and sun exposure, including:

Myth #1 – Regular use of sunscreen blocks ultraviolet (UV) exposure to the skin and leads to decreased vitamin D levels.

Fact – A 1997 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosa (a disease that causes multiple skin cancers in persons exposed to the smallest amounts of ultraviolet radiation), who have had maximum UV protection over several years, showed that these patients have normal vitamin D levels despite virtually no UV exposure.

Myth #2 – It takes a significant amount of UV exposure to maintain normal levels of vitamin D.

Fact – Normal vitamin D levels are easily maintained through routine daily activities (even when wearing sunscreen) and a normal diet. Supplemental vitamin D tablets are typically not needed.

Myth #3 – Sunscreen blocks all of the UV radiation hitting the skin, so that those wearing sunscreen cannot form vitamin D.

Fact – There is no such thing as a total (or even near total) UV block. Even the most effective sunscreens currently on the market let through enough UV to allow for adequate vitamin D formation.

Myth #4 – Skin cancer is not a dangerous disease, so protection is not very important.

Fact – One American dies every hour from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Myth #5 – Decreased vitamin D levels lead to increases in other cancers and other diseases.

Fact – "There are no scientific studies that prove this statement," explained Dr. Rigel. "The claim is based on a study that finds that overall cancer rates are higher in the northeast United States, a location with lower sunlight levels than many other places in the country. Those making this claim conclude that since the Northeast has lower UV levels, this is the reason why cancer rates are higher in this region. However, several studies prove this theory is false. These include studies that show that cancer rates are low in the Northern Plains states (areas with the lowest UV levels in the country) and small regional studies (New York state), where cancer rates are highest in areas with industrial pollutants and are not related to sunlight levels."

"When we take a close look at these myths and evaluate the facts, the course of action is clear," said Dr. Rigel. "Until there is science that tells us otherwise, it is imperative that people protect themselves from the sun. Anyone concerned about not getting enough vitamin D should either take a multivitamin or drink a few glasses of vitamin D-fortified milk every day. Given the fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation as a known carcinogen, exposing oneself to it for the sake of vitamin D is not the answer."

The Academy recommends that everyone practice a comprehensive sun protection program, including avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and reapplying it every two hours, and wearing sun-protective clothing.

[Alex]

OMFG. That sucks seriously ass that you have cancer, but you NEED the sun.

As for tanning everyday... in the summer time, alot of my friends tan non stop... all I do is work out on my porch with my shirt off, and I'm always way darker than anyone I know, and yes I am white. So to answer that I don't go tanning but I tan just by walking around in the sun.


Think of all the millions, maybe even over a billion people who tan regularly, how many actually get skin cancer?

Smoking is a way way WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY bigger risk of cancer, so why not preach about that? Why go against somehting we need to live?

[_bRiTt]

pbreak: you don't need to have the damaging uv rays to get vitamin d, and no docter would perscribe a patient to go get sun burn every day to keep healthy.

allie, i agree with you and it must really make you mad every time you see people basting themselves iwth oil in the sun.

[ppcock]

i wanna go into a tanning bed and masturbate.

[IntakE]

Originally Posted by miss.myra

But seriously, are you going to post every day for every single different carcinogen? Why not make a post to smokers? People who consume products containing aspertame or pesticides? People who expose themselves to air pollution?

I am going to say Myra you hit it right on the button!
there are so many things that are way worse then tanning
if you moderate your tanning to once a week...hopefully thats the most anyone would go...but some people have an important event and go tanning like twice a week and then dont go till summer when there out at a beach but like Tanning may cause cancer if your not responsible dotn use the cream like your suposed to and go more then once a week the whole year. things are gunna affect you a lot faster.

Originally Posted by lou_belle

Tanning is an example of the callow disreguard young dumb teenagers have for their bodies.

I go tanning and I am not a dumb teenager...I take care of my body and tanning just makes me feel better in my own skin I'd like to be able to go out and say I have a tank top on at a friends house and not pale as a fucking ghost.