Risk For Skin Cancer example essay topic

In America, 10,250 people died from skin cancer this past year, according to the American Cancer Society. Skin cancer, the most common of all cancers, accounts for nearly all cancers in the United States. Over one million cases are diagnosed in this country each year (Johnnie). The reason for all of this? UV exposure.

America's value of life is very high, yet many people die just because they are not wise enough to keep out of the sun. The greatest danger from this problem is faced by teenagers. Studies have shown that among artificial tanners, those who started at an early age are more likely to develop skin cancer. Out of high school-aged girls, 51 percent reported using a commercial tanning bed at least four times in the past year (Perron). The fact of the matter is younger people do not have the foresight to realize that being tan isn't worth the sometimes fatal after-effects. The social desirability of a tan is a modern phenomenon, beginning in the 1920's when the French designer Coco Chanel decreed it as a fashion look.

The concept of obtaining a tan without going outdoors became increasingly attractive (Aldige). Today's media influences everyone, but especially young people, to feel like they need to have that beautiful dark skin color to look good. Teenagers, caring more about their social status and appearance, are looking past the obvious risks of skin cancer. Teenagers ages 12 to 17 are visiting tanning salons in record numbers. This trend presents a huge level of concern, as studies have shown that the risk for skin cancer increases when tanning begins at a younger age. With this fad being so popular, teens are always finding themselves at the tanning salons, becoming nice and crispy.

The best way to keep everyone from this fatal cancer is by completely not allowing teenagers below the age of 18 to ever go to a tanning bed. There have been several other health risks that have been legislated against, such as smoking, drinking, and using seat belts. Why not tanning? We need to make it completely illegal for kids with such delicate skin to go fake-baking. Before the age of 18, teenager's brains are not mature enough to make wise decisions about something that could greatly affect their lives. Some would argue that they can still go out in the sun and get skin cancer.

Experts agree that sunburns are caused primarily by exposure to UVB rays; however, UVA rays do not burn, but actually may do more harm. UVA penetrates the skin more deeply, compromising the immune system-our natural defense to cancer. UVA rays that are emitted from the Ultraviolet A light sources in tanning salons are two to three times more powerful than the UVA rays from the sun (Whitmer). That's why tanning beds are the best place to focus our efforts of protecting teens. As of now, only three states have laws to keep teenagers from using tanning beds. If lawmakers understood the risks, they could not only create laws to protect teens, they would initiate education programs about the harmfulness of tanning beds and the need for sun protection.

Money can sometimes be an issue in this case, but all it would take would be about a two percent tax placed on the tanning bed industry; the education would be paid for (Ashley). Personal identification stating the person's age would be required before being permitted to use a tanning bed. Making a law against tanning beds would be the best way to greatly decrease the massive amount of deaths caused by this dreadful disease. Most who tan not only accept, but expect their skin to pass through these damaging changes.

Young people are not wise enough to make the decision on their own to completely abstain from burning their still-developing skin. We should not be willing to kill the people we know and love just because of a foolish fad.

Bibliography

Johnnie, A monette. "The Case Against Indoor Tanning" 8 Oct. 2001 28 Mar.
2005 Perron, Larry.
Tanning Booths - Are They Worth the Risk?" 25 Apr. 2003 28 Mar.
2005 Aldige, Carolyn.
Tanning-Bed Use Can Double Skin Cancer Risk" 17 Jul. 2004 28 Mar.
2005 Ashley, Jeff.
Tanning Beds" Jan 5, 2004 28 Mar.
2005 Whitmer, Denise.
Teach Your Teens the Benefits of Staying Out of the Sun" 28 Feb. 2003 28 Mar.
2005.