As I sat by the pool, I couldn’t help but watch you as you slipped off your sandals and cover-up. I knew I should look away; you couldn’t have been more than 17, and here I was, the slightly older observer. But I was captivated.
It wasn’t just your youthful figure or flawless skin that drew my attention—it was something more alarming. Sweetheart, you are far too bronzed.
With a quick and admittedly critical glance, I assessed your complexion, taking into account your hair and eye color. You likely tan easily, but it was only the beginning of June, and we had just emerged from a harsh winter. There were no tan lines in sight on your shoulders, back, or legs, which led me to believe you might have been using a tanning bed to achieve that glow.
I wanted to approach you. I wanted to show you the scar on my forehead—a stark reminder of the importance of sunscreen. It’s a 2-inch mark from a melon-sized lump of skin cancer I had removed. Yes, skin cancer from my forehead! I never thought I’d be a victim, especially since I’ve never stepped foot in a tanning bed. Yet, at 35, I was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. I often wonder if I had succumbed to the allure of tanning, would it have happened even sooner? Would it have been melanoma?
I felt compelled to share statistics about tanning beds and skin cancer. Did you know that nearly 420,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year due to indoor tanning? It’s staggering to think that tanning beds contribute to more skin cancer cases than smoking does to lung cancer.
One session in a tanning bed increases the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and if you go just a few more times, the chance of basal cell carcinoma skyrockets by 73%. Over the last four decades, the rate of melanoma among young adults has increased by a shocking 800%. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and an alarming 76% of cases among 18-29-year-olds can be traced back to tanning bed use. If you’re under 35 and have used a tanning bed, your risk of developing melanoma increases by 75%. Tragically, nearly 10,000 people will die from melanoma this year.
I wanted to implore you—on behalf of your future children, who will undoubtedly want you around for them: Stay away from tanning beds!
But instead, I just stared and then loudly announced to my kids that it was time to reapply sunscreen. If you want more insights on protecting your skin, check out this post on Modern Family Blog.
If you’re considering options for family planning, reputable retailers like Make A Mom offer at-home insemination kits that can help. For more information on home insemination, NHS provides excellent resources.
In summary, while youthful radiance is tempting, it comes with risks that can haunt you for life. Protect your skin, prioritize your health, and always reapply that sunscreen!
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