newjerseynewsroom.com

BY ANGELA DAIDONE

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

With bathing suit season right around the corner, many of us crave that sun-kissed look. But if you’re planning to head to the tanning salon, you may want to reconsider.

Research out of the Mayo Clinic has shown that there has been a dramatic spike of melanoma cases among adults under the age of 40. The report studied tanning bed use, which has grown in popularity since the 1980s.

The incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased more than eight-fold among young adult women between the 1970s and 2000s, it was reported. Cases of melanoma among men in the same age group increased four-fold during the same time period.

Researchers said the dramatic rise is likely due to the increased use of tanning beds as well as unsafe exposure to ultraviolet rays, and getting severe sunburns in childhood.

Some good news: the number of deaths by melanoma has dropped, probably because people are more aware of changes in their skin and are more likely to seek medical attention early.

Researchers said the best way to prevent skin cancers is to avoid using tanning beds and to limit the amount of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Other ways to lower your risk of getting skin cancers include:

Staying out of the sun during peak hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wearing protective clothing, including a hat, a shirt with sleeves to cover your arms, and pants.

Using sunscreen every day with an SPF of at least 30. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB.

Examining yourself regularly for changes on your skin, such as new moles or changes to old moles, and seeking medical advice if you detect a suspicious change.