Grants Pass, OR (PRWEB) May 26, 2015
The skin cancer melanoma develops rapidly and is nearly always fatal if not caught early. Melanoma is also easily prevented. Worldwide, according to radio host and fresh water advocate Sharon Kleyne, the melanoma rate is on the upswing due to climate change and increased solar radiation. While the melanoma risk for indoor tanning salon patrons is unclear, many states are banning teenagers from these establishments. The most recent ban, in Pennsylvania, coincides with the American Cancer Society’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month.* † Kleyne supports these bans.
- Yirnam, B, “Pennsylvania indoor tanning law bans most teenagers but keeping tabs has challenges,” WTAE News Pittsburgh, May 18, 2015. http://www.wtae.com/news/pennsylvania-indoor-tanning-law-bans-most-teenagers-but-keeping-tabs-has-challenges/33089594
† Dangor, J, “Expert alert - May is melanoma and skin cancer prevention month know how to reduce your risk,” Mayo Clinic, May 11, 2015. http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/expert-alert-may-is-melanoma-prevention-month/
Kleyne will discuss malignant melanoma and the American Cancer Society’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month on her upcoming Sharon Kleyne Hour™ Power of Water® broadcast of May 25, 2015. For the live show or a podcast, go to http://www.SharonKleyneHour.com.
The syndicated radio show, hosted by Kleyne, is heard weekly on VoiceAmerica and Apple iTunes. The education oriented show is sponsored by Bio-Logic Aqua® Research, founded by Kleyne and specializing in fresh water, atmosphere, dehydration and vision. Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® is the Research Center’s signature product for dry eye and eye allergies. Kleyne is also a former Chairman of her local American Cancer Society organization and founder of the Save a Child’s Life Foundation to raise funds to prevent pediatric melanoma.
Regarding tanning parlors, Kleyne notes that UVA and UVB radiation (ultraviolet light), believed to be the primary cause of melanoma, are the main tanning agents in most non-chemical tanning beds. Not only are children and teenagers susceptible to melanoma, but ultraviolet radiation can also damage the DNA in their skin cells, which can turn into melanoma 30 to 40 years later. For that reason, preventing UVA and UVB exposure in children and teens will affect the overall rate decades later.
Melanoma is by far the most serious and frequently fatal skin cancer. According to the Kleyne, the incidence of melanoma, nationally, is increasing faster than any other cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts 79,000 new cases of melanoma in 2015, with nearly 10,000 deaths.*
- “Melanoma skin cancer 2015,” American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/index
Melanoma is easily prevented, according to Sharon Kleyne, by avoiding excessive UVA and UVB exposure, especially during childhood. The disease is easily treated if caught early but can quickly become life-threatening if allowed to progress. Mrs. Kleyne notes that dehydration (water loss) of the skin, which frequently occurs during intense sun exposure, lowers the skin’s resistance to UVA and UVB damage.
“What most parents don’t understand,” says Kleyne, “is that a severe sunburn in childhood can develop into melanoma 40 years later. Parents certainly have the right to make decisions for their children but when their decisions are potentially life threatening, states such as Pennsylvania are justified in becoming involved.”
Many tanning salon owners, Kleyne notes, support this legislation and have warned customers about the heightened skin cancer risk among individuals under 18. Pennsylvania joins a growing list of states that have enacted such bans. Kleyne’s home state of Oregon banned individuals under 18 from tanning salons in 2013.
The most recognizable sign of melanoma, says Kleyne, is a mole-like growth anywhere on the body that is larger than a pencil eraser, irregularly shaped and often multi-colored with red at the base and black or brown on top. If there is any doubt whatsoever about a new or changing growth on the body, see a doctor.
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