The Link Between Tanning and Skin Cancer

The link between tanning and skin cancer is well known. Skin cancer is caused by sunburn, which is inflammation of the skin and the tissues beneath it caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. These ultraviolet rays, when exposed over a long term, can cause basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. However, the most serious of all skin cancers is malignant melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. The cells just below the surface of the skin become cancerous and a tumor develops. Due to long-term exposure to sunlight, an ulcer may form and destroy the tissue.

Squamous cell carcinoma causes the underlying skin cells to become damaged and this leads to the development of a life-threatening tumor or lump. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, where there is no spreading of the tumor, the squamous cell carcinoma can spread throughout the entire body.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious of all types of skin cancer. This type of melanoma metastasizes throughout the body.

So too, there is a misnomer to think that cloud overage or wintry days will keep your skin safe from the UV rays that are ever present. To prevent any of these types of skin cancers to develop, it is important to use SPF 15 or higher when out in the sun. In addition, wear light protective clothing when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Always check your body for any unusual moles or firm, fleshy, hard-surfaced lumps which seem to grow at a steady rate. The basal cell carcinoma will appear as a small, flesh colored lump, usually on the face, next to the eye, or on the side of the nose. The squamous cell will particularly show itself on that part of the skin which is constantly exposed to sunlight. The malignant melanoma may appear on any skin surface as a flat spot or bump accompanied by black or brown pigment.

While we know that direct sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer, there is another link to skin cancer as well. The use of tanning beds causes as much malignant melanoma as sunlight. Moreover, the UVA light used in sun beds can be responsible for all types of cancer.

While you can develop sunburn without sitting under the sun, the ultraviolet rays can still penetrate your skin. So too, if you are on the water or sand, the sun’s rays reflect off those surfaces and burn parts of your skin that you think are protected.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary on your skin, see your doctor to determine what it is by having a biopsy done to ascertain if it falls under any of the above categories. There is a link between tanning and skin cancer and the more you are aware, the better chance you will have of recognizing the signs of skin cancer before it can spread.