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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Tanning Beds Branded a Top Cancer Risk

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(Newser) – Tanning beds have been upgraded from a probable carcinogen to a definite cause of cancer by World Health Organization experts, Newsday reports. The scientists analyzed over 20 studies and promptly moved the beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into their top category of cancer risks. They concluded that using tanning beds before age 30 raises a person's skin cancer risk by 75%.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said an agency cancer expert. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan." Execs from the tanning industry downplayed the findings, stressing that most sunbed customers use them responsibly and that sunlight has also been proven to cause cancer.

An estimated 27 million Americans use tanning salons.
An estimated 27 million Americans use tanning salons.   (PRNewsFoto/ETS Tan LLC)
Rosie McDavid, 17, who has been using tanning beds since she was 14, prepares a tanning bed for a session. The WHO warns that young people should avoid use tanning beds.
Rosie McDavid, 17, who has been using tanning beds since she was 14, prepares a tanning bed for a session. The WHO warns that young people should avoid use tanning beds.   (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
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They basically summarized all known data on UV radiation and risk for skin cancer in both humans and animals, and their conclusion should be taken very, very seriously. - Dr. Colette Pameijer, a cancer surgeon at Stony Brook University Medical Center

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14 comments
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Deebles
Jul 29, 09 1:32 AM CDT
Duh? In my case it was called melanoma. I used to do it right up till the surgery and the chemo. And I only did it for a couple of weeks for a base every summer. A tanning bed is a jillion cigarettes. When you're thirty it ain't so important but you'll be 43 soon enough. Reply
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
Deebles
Jul 29, 09 1:50 AM CDT
And wake up with fifteen staples going through the nicest part of your chest. Sorry JoJo. I hope I'm not offending you by making a comment that is soooo about me and not Favre. I kinda thought the comments were for more info on the topic. And I kinda thought that 'personal this happened to me info' was better than some site. But LOL you rule. Send me your requirements for what you consider relevant and I'll follow them to the letter. I'm just so sorry that I didn't realize that you were the person in charge. JoJo the one to appease. Believe me, you're a hell of a lot easier than my editor.
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
Timinator2K
Jul 29, 09 7:47 AM CDT
I'm sure the tanning bed industry leaves out the small fact that, over time and repeated tanning sessions, one's skin retains the same suppleness and vitality as a worn leather saddle bag. I'M CATCHING A WHIFF OF A NEW AND LUCRATIVE AREA FOR LITIGATION LAWYERS TO GROW RICHER IN.
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anchower
Jul 29, 09 1:52 AM CDT
I don't understand why people tan. You're "white," for Christ's sake. Milk that pink skin for all it's worth! Reply
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Deebles
Jul 29, 09 1:54 AM CDT
Well, I do now!!
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+1

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