As we prepare to enter a new tanning season, the “antis” have started up their negative-spin media campaign again.
A new report from the JAMA Dermatology cautions the public that “Melanoma trends are increasing.” Another report from the online Minnesota news source blasts that its state has “the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the Midwest.” I researched both and offer the following review for those tanning facility operators trying to separate the wheat from the chaff in media reports that focus on UV exposure with a negative angle.
First, let’s tackle the JAMA Dermatology report. This report states that melanoma, as the cause of more than 9,000 fatalities in the U.S. every year, increases faster than any other preventable cancer and its incidence is increasing. Missing from the report is the obvious; we are an aging population with Baby Boomers leading the way, and melanoma primarily strikes older males. Men above age 50 represent the largest demographic for both melanoma incidence and fatality. To substantiate the increase, the report also states: “[…] the incidence of melanoma has grown from 22.2 cases per 100,000 people to 23.6 cases per 100,000 people […]” Well, let’s do the math; that sliver represents an increase of 4/10ths of one percent; apparently sufficient to substantiate the headline.
The online MinnPost reports that “Minnesota has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the Midwest.” What’s missing from this report? They did admit that 85% of the population of Minnesota is Caucasian (and certainly, many are of Scandinavian descent with Skin Type 1), and the state’s residents include a significant number of aging, white males. But what gets overlooked? Well, how about the fact that almost 50% of the 48 states reporting have seen a decrease in melanoma and four states showed no change in the numbers at all? That’s quite significant, and could have made for a more accurate title (Consider: “Melanoma on the Decline in the U.S.”), but clearly would not support the agenda of the anti-tan media.
I took the opportunity to contact cancer policy specialist, Michelle Strangis at the Minnesota Department of Health who, was quoted in the referenced news piece. She claims that “[…] melanoma has a long latency period, but recent research has shown that the latency period may be shortening among younger people engaged in indoor tanning – a disturbing trend.” In my over 30 years of researching information on the indoor tanning industry, I have never read anything relating indoor tanning to a shorter latency period for melanoma. Understand that it is well known that the latency period (the time between the UV exposure and the development of the cancer) for melanoma can be 10, 20, to over 30 years. In contacting Strangis, I asked whether she had any research that would support this claim. As of this writing, my attempts to contact her about her comments had gone without response.
Of course, I’ll let you know if she ever replies.
As always, these reports should encourage you to ensure that you and your team are all on the same page with factual info about UV exposure and indoor tanning! With the Sun is Life® Training & Certification program, you’ll find everything you need to become an expert and represent your business as a tanning professional. Check it out today at sunislife.com – we have an amazing deal to train your whole team!
As always, these reports should encourage you to ensure that your entire team is on the same page with factual info about UV exposure and indoor tanning!
