Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: LIFE

"Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer in the world today," said Dr. Louis Munoz, director of radiation oncology at Medical City Hospital in Dallas. "Incidences are increasing particularly in light-skinned patients as they migrate to southern climates."
Tanning salons have been updating the bulbs used in beds, and debates between physicians and salon owners regarding the safety of the new bulbs have been raging for years.
The journal reported in March 2007 that people who use tanning beds regularly have a 75 percent increased risk of melanoma.
"Tanning beds are purported to be less damaging than the sun's radiation, but there is no evidence that they are less likely to prevent premature aging and the development of solar-induced skin cancers," Munoz said. "Whether you're out by the beach or lying in a tanning bed, there is absolutely no safe tan."
Although melanoma typically occurs in people between 40 and 60 years old, the desire to achieve that perfect tan is increasing the number of melanoma cases in younger men and women.
Lynn said she thought the cancer was a closed chapter in her life after the surgery.
"My doctor told me I could die from this, but I was 19 and didn't understand that," Lynn said. "It wasn't until they removed the melanoma and told me that chances were somewhat likely it could come back in my 40s or 50s and there might be nothing they could do that I thought I could actually die."
Melanomas that are not diagnosed early are treated more radically with surgery combined with immune therapy, chemotherapy and radiation.
"Once melanoma has spread to lymph nodes or distant sites, it is very difficult to control, even with radical treatment," Munoz said.
More than 10 years later, Lynn is cancer-free but goes to the doctor regularly for routine examinations.
"I'm at the doctor once a year, and it's scary to think that the chance of it coming back again, only worse, is pretty likely," Lynn said. "But all I can do is wear sunscreen at all times, stay out of the sun and teach my children to do the same."
She said both of her children have dark complexions and spend a lot of time outdoors, but they aren't allowed out of the house without SPF 45 sunscreen.
"It sounds rather harsh, but preventing skin cancer is the best lesson I can teach my children," Lynn said.
If students are headed south for spring break, Dr. Munoz said, they should stay off the beach during peak mid-day sun, slather on sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and stay away from tanning beds.
"This is the only body you have. Love it and take care of it," Lynn said. "Sacrificing your skin, and ultimately your life, for cosmetic purposes just isn't worth it."

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