Does tanning cause melanoma, a fatal form of skin cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence which substantiates that malignant melanoma is caused by gradual, moderate UV exposure. However, those who are predisposed to develop melanoma due to hereditary factors may intensify this condition with exposure to Indoor UV. While some studies have suggested a link between severe sunburn and malignant melanoma, there are other studies available that prove an inverse relationship. In a study published In the International Journal of Cancer in 1989 (known as the Western Canada Melanoma Study), Canadian researchers found a significant inverse association between melanoma and chronic or long-term occupational sun exposure in men, with the lowest risk in those with maximum occupational exposure. This may suggest that repeated exposure can be protective. Gradual, moderate exposure is not believed to be a strong influential factor as melanoma generally develops on those areas not normally exposed to UV light.
There is no conclusive evidence which substantiates that malignant melanoma is caused by gradual, moderate UV exposure. However, those who are predisposed to develop melanoma due to hereditary factors may intensify this condition with exposure to indoor or outdoor UV. While some studies have suggested a link between severe sunburn and malignant melanoma, there are other studies available that prove an inverse relationship. In a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 1989 (known as the Western Canada Melanoma Study), Canadian researchers found a significant inverse association between melanoma and chronic or long-term occupational sun exposure in men, with the lowest risk in those with maximum occupational exposure. This may suggest that repeated exposure can be protective. Gradual, moderate exposure is not believed to be a strong influential factor as melanoma generally develops on those areas not normally exposed to UV light.
Most people falsely believe that totally eliminating regular sun exposure eliminates the risk of damage from the sun. In reality, avoiding regular sun exposure still leaves you susceptible to damage when you do go outdoors, possibly even more so. Although research links skin cancer to ultraviolet light, the exact relationship is unclear, and we should avoid simplifying the issue. There are many other important studies to consider: Malignant melanoma skin cancer is most common in people who do not receive regular sun exposure and most frequently develops on parts of the body that are not regularly exposed to sunlight. Several studies suggest that many types of cancer, including breast, colon, prostate and ovarian are slowed or inhibited by increased exposure to sunlight. A 1994 study shows that northern women have five times greater risk of developing ovarian cancer than southern women who receive more direct sun exposure. In a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 1
