The increased risk of melanoma associated with early tanning bed use is 59%.

The Your Skin Is In program educates teens and young adults on the dangers of tanning and the direct link between tanning beds and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.  All teens are invited to visit mfne.org and join others who have pledged not to use indoor tanning beds or intentionally tan outdoors – especially during spring break or prom season.

The Facts about Teens & Tanning:

·       The World Health Organization has determined that UV rays from tanning beds cause cancer.

·       The increased risk of melanoma associated with early tanning bed use is 59% for people whose first exposure to artificial UV rays in a tanning bed occurred before age 35 years and that risk increased with the number of tanning bed sessions per year.

·       2.5 million teens use tanning booths each year including 35% of girls age 17 – many start as early as age 13.

·       Melanoma is the second most common cancer in teens and young adults ages 15-29.

·       It is not safe to tan in the sun or in a tanning booth. Using a tanning bed for 20 minutes is the same as spending 1-3 hours a day at the beach with no sun protection at all. Tanning beds put out 3-6 times the amount of radiation given off by the sun.