Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for adults between 15 and 44 years old. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death between 25-30 years old. Most Melanomas are caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. . This includes UV exposure from the sun and from artificial sources like tanning beds. The World Health Organization classifies tanning beds as highest cancer risk category , the same category as other hazardous substances such as plutonium.
Research indicates that just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life. In addition, using tanning beds before age 30 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.
Tanned skin is a result of damage to skin cells. Research suggests that the cumulative damage to skin cells can lead to wrinkles, age spots, premature ageing and skin cancer.
In 2007, Clare Oliver died from melanoma. She was only 26. Clare visited a solarium about 20 times in her early 20s. She bravely shared her story to raise awareness of the dangers of solariums and to warn others not to risk their lives.
