Jokingly, it’s been called “fake ’n bake,” the term describing a so-called healthy looking tan that young people sport by spending time at the tanning salon.
But that sexy golden glow is hardly a laughing matter, and anything but healthy. In fact, according to experts, it’s just as unhealthy as lighting up a cigarette or inhaling asbestos dust.
Research has linked the UVA and UBV rays emitted by artificial tanning lights to the potentially deadly skin cancer melanoma. And it’s on the rise in Canada and elsewhere, especially among young women who could pay a dangerous price for vanity, according to the World Health Organization.
The World Health Organization rates the harmful rays cooking one’s skin as a Class 1 cancer-causing agent, sharing the same carcinogenic rating given to tobacco and asbestos.
And the end results are anything but sexy when one’s young body is carved up to remove cancerous growths, as was experienced by Kate Neale of Bellville, Ont.
Neale was among 90 volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society at the Ontario legislature this week to support a private member’s bill calling for a ban on indoor tanning for anyone under 18.
This will be the third time NDP health critic France Gelinas has proposed the Skin Cancer Prevention Act, demanding strict marketing and promotion practices aimed at young tanning salon clients.
“Tanning salons directly target youth through advertising in yearbooks and in schools before prom and graduation,” said Gelinas. “Not only do salons either not know or play down the lifelong consequences of excess exposure to UV rays, they make tanning accessible and attractive for young people.”
Neale was transfixed by the bronzed beauties of Hollywood and began her ‘fake ’n baking’ at 16. Unending compliments by friends about her new, attractive look made her a regular at the salons. Five years later, an innocent-looking freckle below her belly button was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. Surgeons carved out the growth and surrounding tissue, leaving a 15-cm scar on her stomach; and a scar from 25 stitches on one breast from a biopsy — one of eight in the last year. She’s still not free of the threat.
With all the evidence presented by experts, why is this the third time Gelinas has had to present the bill to the Ontario legislature? And why aren’t strict rules and warnings in place across Canada?
“This (Ontario) legislation for us is really a no-brainer,” said Joane Di Nardo, a senior manager with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Ontario division.
Research shows there’s a 75 per cent increased risk of melanoma for those under 35 from exposure to indoor tanning equipment.
Dr. Cheryl Rosen, head of dermatology at Toronto Western Hospital, says tanning parlours “greatly increases your risk of melanoma” and other disfiguring skin cancers. The rays can damage the DNA, leading to mutations.
Ontario students aged 12 to 17 are using tanning salons five per cent more than their counterparts in 2006, according to surveys. More than 60 per cent of them say tanning makes them look better.
Some Canadian provinces, and other countries, have recognized when a turkey is well done. Nova Scotia has banned indoor tanning for those under 19 while B.C. this year will impose a similar law for those under 18.
Several countries, including France, the U.K. and Australia have restrictions for youth.
Di Nardo said voluntary industry guidelines established by Health Canada have been in place for years, but they don’t work. “Kids are still accessing (tanning beds) before special occasions like proms and vacations.” Salons often offer discounts to young people during these prime times.
Whatever happened to the old phrase: “Beauty is only skin deep?”
Rick Zemanek is an Advocate editor.