A Bed of Cancer

Many teenagers want to have a tan complexion all year round, but it is safe to lather your body with color? Within the last two years, at least 32 states have passed laws restricting minors to use tanning equipment without parental consent, and other various restrictions. These new laws are to prevent young teens from developing skin cancer as adults. This risk comes from the ultraviolet lights used in many tanning beds and the exposure gives young teens a very risky future.



Photo of a Melanoma skin cancer spot


There are two different types of skin cancer that teenagers can get from using various tanning equipment, melanoma and nonmelanoma. Both types are very similar however, melanoma is more dangerous and potentially fatal. Melanoma is most likely to spread through sunburns, fair skin, freckles, moles, and family histories of melanoma. If caught during the early stage, melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer can be treated. To lower the risk of developing skin cancer, the American Cancer Society suggests to stay out of sunlight from 10 am to 4 pm which the sun's rays are strongest, weat protective sun gear while outside such as hats and sunglasses, and of course avoid tanning devices with ultraviolet lighting. Unfortunately, the National Cancer Institute reports that about half of Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer therefore, nobody is safe.

Unfortunately, out of the 32 states with tanning regulations, Oklahoma is not one of them. In 2009, State Senator Andrew Rice proposed Bill SB 544 to prohibit minors to use tanning devices without a parent/legal guardian consent form, and for children under 13 to have a parent present along with a physician consent form. In 2010, the bill was not passed but if it had been, the state Health Department would've been required to investigatee salons and complaints and violations would be fined $500. Luckily, some tanning salons in Oklahoma do have their company consent forms that they are legally allowed to give out. The At The Beach Oklahoma City location requires customers under the age of 14 to have a parent present and written permission.


An example of how bad tanning can affect your beauty

When Senator Rice was promoting the SB 544 bill, he really tried to express the need for this bill to pass, "My hope is that my bill will help Oklahomans and make parents and others more aware of the dangers of tanning, particularly among adolescents." Of course, the bill didn't pass but the impact that Rice put on the bill hopefully stuck with many parents who have children who tan or are wanting to begin using taning facilities.

Only time can tell when or if Oklahoma will pass a law about minors who tan, but 32 other states have successfully began to shield younger children and teens from risking their health just for a little color. This future bill could save a life from skin cancer, so why are we waiting?


Photos courtesy of whydidigowrong.co.uk and skincanceronface.com