What's New In Dermatology

The Dangers of Indoor Tanning

Dr. Halmi talks about the dangers of indoor tanning with Channel 10.


Press Release 

For Immediate Release
Submitted by the Arizona Dermatologic and Dermatologic Surgery Society

Arizona Moves Towards Protecting Minors from Indoor Tanning
Phoenix, Arizona - June 2, 2012.  Scientific data showing the dangers of indoor tanning prompts the Arizona Medical Association to support  banning  minors from going to indoor tanning salons.

On June 2, 2012 the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) passed a resolution that supports prohibiting minors from going to indoor tanning salons. Dr. Bill H Halmi, vice president of Arizona’s state Dermatology Society and Delegate to ArMA says that this resolution is important because of new scientific evidence that has accumulated over the past few years showing a direct link to indoor tanning and melanoma skin cancer. “The statistics are alarming,” states Halmi. “Anyone who indoor tans increases their risk of getting melanoma by 75%. The earlier you start and the more you indoor tan, the worse the risk. If you tan 10 or more times in young adulthood, your risk of getting a melanoma before age 30 increases by 600%.” This data  has prompted a national legislative movement to restrict indoor tanning. In 2011 twenty one states introduced legislation to protect minors from indoor tanning.

Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions. This year there will be 3 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed. Melanoma , the most lethal form of skin cancer, has increased 6 fold in the past 40 years. Young women are 7 times more likely than young men to get a melanoma. Interestingly, that increased rate mirrors the increase in indoor tanning that women do  compared to men.  Melanoma is now the most common form of cancer in young adults and the most common form of cancer death in young adult women. One person every hour will die from a melanoma in this country.

Halmi says the next step is to get Arizona legislation passed that would prohibit minors from indoor tanning. “We have a history in this country and in our state to protect our children. While we can’t stop someone from going outside and frying their skin,  we can regulate an industry whose sole product dramatically increases the risk of developing a lethal skin cancer in our youth.”

The Arizona Dermatologic and Dermatologic Surgery Society represents the voice of Dermatologists in the State of Arizona.
Contact:
Bill H Halmi, M.D.
740 E Highland Ave
Suite 101
Phoenix, AZ 85014
602-264-9044

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