What Are The Risks of Developing Non-melanoma Skin Cancer?
In 1998, there were only 1,200 deaths attributed to non-melanoma skin cancer, the only form of skin cancer shown to link with repeated overexposure to UVR. That means there were, on a sex-adjusted basis, more than 70 deaths from breast cancer for every one from non-melanoma skin cancer. Furthermore, the concept of sensible, moderate and responsible exposure to UVR advocated by the indoor tanning industry means that overexposure, which is defined as a dose of UVR that will cause sunburn, is avoided thereby reducing the minimal and manageable risks involved. That being stated, the possible reduction of the relative risk of developing breast cancer by 25 percent to 65 percent is a powerful reason to support the notion that the benefits of sensible, moderate and responsible exposure to UVR far outweigh the minimal and manageable risks involved. Donald L. Smith is executive director of The North American Alliance of Tanning Salon Owners (TSO), an organization dedicated to looking out for th
