Tanning Beds Proving More Problematic as Legal Restrictions Increase - Noted Dermatologist Joshua Fox, MD, Says Teens Run Greatest Risk of Exposure to Tanning Beds

The American Academy of Dermatology, the Food & Drug Administration and the American Cancer Society all encourage parents of teens to review the dangers of tanning beds with their children, and to prohibit their use. Legislators in some states are signing bills into law making it illegal for a teen to visit a tanning salon without parental consent. Please read on below about the serious health issues associated with tanning beds. Let your readers learn first from you about how to best protect their teenage children against the dangers of tanning beds.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2004

Advanced Dermatology PC, NY, NY 2004 – When Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger last month signed the bill that would make teen visits to a tanning salon illegal in California without parental consent, the issues surrounding the dangers of tanning beds – and the government’s role in protecting children from them – were thrust back into the spotlight. Indeed, California is only one of a number of states – including New York – that are considering or implementing parental/medical consent laws for teenagers, as they seek to use tanning beds or sunlamps to achieve that “golden glow” of a summer suntan.

According to Joshua Fox, MD, a leading New York-area dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology, the short-term, bronzing effects of tanning bed use are simply not worth the possible long-term consequences of increased skin cancer risk and premature aging. “Particularly during the teenage years, continued use of a tanning bed or sunlamp can be quite dangerous,” Dr. Fox says, “Because it can increase your risk of developing malignant melanoma by more than 55%, and it can about double your chances of basal cell and/or squamous cell cancer as well.” While these forms of cancer have high cure rates, Dr. Fox notes, melanoma however is quickly becoming the fastest increasingly and deadliest form of cancer…particularly among young adults.

Why the Surge in Melanoma Cases?

Dr. Fox confirms that the dermatological community believes “very strongly” that the increased use of tanning beds by teenagers has contributed to the sharp rise in melanoma rates during the 1990s. Consider the following data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society:

• Melanoma now ranks as the most common cancer among people ages 25 to 29.
• Each year, more than one million people – many of them teenagers – visit tanning salons
• From the 1970s to the 1990s, melanoma rates rose 60.5 percent in women and 26.7 percent in men, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Melanoma is linked to excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 19 years of life, a period during which muck of almost 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs.

“The reason teens are so at risk is that they are still experiencing such tremendous growth at the cellular level,” Dr. Fox explains. “Their skin cells, like every other cell in their bodies, are dividing more rapidly than they do when we reach adulthood. And the more rapidly cells change, the higher the chances are that they will change detrimentally particularly when hit by the deleterious affects of the sun, and cancer will develop.”

Why the Surge in Tanning Bed Interest?

Many surveys have found that teens put tanning sessions at the tops of their “to-do” lists for one reason: vanity. From high school proms to college homecomings, from “date night” to “girls’ night out,” teens are aware of the cultural and societal pressures to look their best, and many of them have turned to tanning salons to help them in their quest.

But, according to Dr. Fox, a Wake Forest University study, published in July’s issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, suggests there could be much more to it. “In the study, researchers found evidence that the UVA rays in tanning beds may actually stimulate the brain to produce endorphins, those ‘feel-good’ hormones that are released during such positive activities as exercise, but also during such negative behaviors as drug use or cigarette smoking.” The study authors concluded, “The relaxing and reinforcing effects of UV exposure contribute to tanning behavior in frequent tanners, and should be explored in greater detail.”

The Future of the Issue

Dr. Fox emphasizes that the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as the Food & Drug Administration and the American Cancer Society, encourages parents of teens to review the dangers of tanning beds with their children, and to prohibit their use. “There are many safe creams and gels on the market today that can give the appearance of a natural tan so called self tanner,” Dr. Fox explains, “Without the possibly devastating side effects of tanning beds and sunlamps.”

In addition, the AAD, the FDA and others have advocated to legislatures at the state and federal level to outlaw use of tanning beds for all but medicinal purposes. (Limited exposure to the UVA rays in tanning beds has been shown to be beneficial for psoriasis sufferers.) In New York, Assemblyman Scott Stringer (D-Manhattan) has sponsored a bill that would require teens to obtain written parental consent before they could tan. Assemblyman Stringer notes, “The tanning industry is completely unregulated. It is scientific fact that UV rays are harmful to our bodies. Tanning salons must recognize this and abide by the guidelines proposed in my bill to protect consumers."

According to Dr. Fox, “With the cooperative efforts of well-informed teenagers, involved parents, dedicated physicians and assertive organizational leaders at the local, state and federal levels, we can reduce the risk of serious illness – or even death – associated with the use of these tanning beds.”

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D.

Joshua L. Fox, M.D. is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous television networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. Dr. Fox has served on the board of the National Rosacea Foundation and has done clinical trials in both medical and laser therapy in Rosacea. He has received multiple research and clinical awards including recognition from Top Doctors, Who's Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award as well certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to the one of largest in dermatology, laser & cosmetic surgery with more lasers than any hospital or dermatology practice on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center of Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York since 1987. Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center and is currently on the staff of ten NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons, & cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery. http://www.advanceddermatologypc.com

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