Daily HealthBeat Tip - April 29, 2008

Seniors on the tanning beds

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

It’s not just young folks at tanning salons -- older adults tan, too. And a researcher says it could raise their skin cancer risk.

A study based on national survey data found 8 percent of adults 65 and older tan indoors.

Researcher Carolyn Heckman of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia says it’s a myth that indoor tanning is safer than sunbathing.

“We recommend that people decrease their ultraviolet radiation exposure and increase protection.”  (7 seconds)

This includes hats and sunglasses.  And be aware:

 “Any kind of sore or spot on the skin that is changing or growing or new or a sore that doesn’t heal – those could be signs of skin cancer.”  (10 seconds)

The study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: April, 28 2008