A new study revealed that skin cancer is not a hindrance for some patients to continue tanning.
Dr. Richard Langley, lead author of the study and president of the Canadian Dermatology Association, and his team of researchers studied 178 patients from Connecticut who had regular tanning sessions before they were diagnosed with skin cancer. Most of them were women.
The patients were asked to answer an online survey four years after their diagnosis. 26 of them admitted they still continue to do indoor tanning despite doctor’s warning that the act will increase the amount of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) which can worsen their skin cancer. The average number of times they did it in four years was 10 but some even did more than 20. Fifteen of them were observed to have signs of ‘tanning dependence” or ‘tanning addiction’.
Tanning adiction, as described by the Skin Cancer Foundation, happens when a frequent tanner displays signs of physical and psychological dependence. The UV light from the tanning machine has shown to elevate the amount of opioid released by the body—feel-good chemicals that reduce pain and produce feelings of comfort. This may be the reason why some people become addicted to it.
The researchers were alarmed with the results of the study because it seemed that these patients were ignoring the danger that tanning may bring to their condition. Some of them continue sun bathing or going to tanning booths because they were still in denial or having difficulty stopping it as they suffer from withdrawal.
The study was published in the July issue of JAMA Dermatology.
Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that start from the outermost layer of our skin. Some mistook the BCCs as open sores, scars, and shiny bumps. It is often caused by overexposure to UV rays which people often get from excessive sun bathing or regular tanning. There were 2.8 million cases diagnosed in the U.S each year and is considered the most common type of cancer.
