A Scary Threat to Women’s Health

Despite increased awareness of the dangers of tanning bed use and the importance of wearing sunscreen, a new study found that skin cancer is on the rise for women. 

Experts from the Mayo Clinic studied people from 1970 to 2009, and discovered that the rate of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) increased eightfold among women, especially among those in their 20s and 30s. 

One piece of good news from the study: Researchers found that less people are dying of melanoma, likely due to early interventions from regular visits to the dermatologist and keeping an eye on mole growth. 

The study didn’t evaluate the reason for the dramatic increase, but researchers are pointing the finger at indoor tanning. Studies have show that people who use tanning beds are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than non-tanners. 

How can you stay safe? Avoid tanning beds, wear sunscreen, and limit your exposure to the sun. You should also check your moles for the ABCDEs (asymmetry, a border that is irregular, colors that are different in the mole, a diameter bigger than a pencil eraser, and elevation of the mole).