No matter the time of year, I like to keep abreast of what our detractors are saying. As we cruise into the heat of summer, let’s check out what some folks across The Pond have to say about our industry. From the UK’s Mancunion (written and produced by Manchester University students) comes these wonderful tidbits.
University researchers claim it may be time for a nationwide ban on sunbeds. “Banning sunbeds in the UK would ‘substantially reduce’ deaths from melanoma, according to a team of researchers from the University of Manchester. It could also save the NHS over £700,000” [about $880,000 U.S.].
Hmm, really? How so?
Well, these folks claim that they tracked the impact of such a ban on over 600,000 British 18-year-olds. “Ban sunbeds” they say, and it would result in 207 fewer deaths from melanoma.
Cut to me peering over the top of my reading glasses and again asking, “Really?”
So, not 206 or 208 fewer deaths, but exactly 207?
Okay, follow my line of thinking on this. As those who have successfully passed the industry’s premier education program – Sun is Life® – are aware, just banning the use of sunbeds does not stop the occurrence of melanoma. This skin cancer can be fatal for sure; however, heredity, light skin, living near the equator or at high altitude, experiencing significant and repeated sunburns, having light eyes, freckles, 50 or more significant moles on one’s body and excessive UV exposure are all significant risk factors. Those Brit lab coats conveniently (and conspicuously) left these facts out of their research.
They do point out that “aside from the obvious significant impact on patients, treatment of these cancers also places a large burden on their national health system.” So, now it’s “follow the money” time, is it? Look, I’m not a doctor (I don’t even play one on TV) but my gosh, people! Facts are facts. Simply banning sunbeds doesn’t make melanoma go away. What makes these researchers certain that these young adults will never receive UV exposure from the sun?
How about this nugget of wisdom from them? “Anyone who has used a sunbed increases their risk of melanoma by almost 60%.” At this point, I’m getting irritated at repeatedly looking over my reading glasses and asking, “Really?”
Let’s break it down.
- Anyone? “Anyone” of any skin type or just white skin?
- “Uses a sunbed.” Uh, what brand of sunbed and how many lamps?
- “Increases their risk.” So, regardless of the length of the exposure, (even 30 seconds?) it will increase your risk by 60%?
This is typically quoted from the World Health Organization’s comment on sunbed usage. And no, they do not quantify any of the questions listed above.
As I always assert – the foundation of Sun is Life: Millions of people weigh the risk/benefit of UV exposure and choose to achieve a cosmetic tan in a professional indoor tanning facility where exposures are delivered responsibly and in moderation, according to individual skin type and controlled by a timer system that minimizes the risk of sunburn.
