Tanning Facts
Fact #1: Sun exposure could actually help prevent cancer
Evidence: Many researchers have shown that regular moderate sun ekposure may play a role in preventing several kinds of cancers, including colon and breast cancers. Several studies have shown that Vitamin D, whose only reliable source for humans comes from sunshine, may play a role in retarding or arresting pre-cancerous cells in the body from reproducing. Research has proven that cancer rates are significantly higher in sun-deprived parts of the world.

Fact #2: The benefits of sun exposure far outweigh the risks of sunburn and overexposure.
Evidence: Non-melanoma skin cancer, which may be linked to sunburn and overexposure to ultraviolet light, has an extremely low death rate of 0.3 percent. These diseases can be subdued by regular exposure to sun:
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancers
Osteoporosis

Fact #3: People who receive regular exposure have a lower incidence of malignant melanoma than those who don't.
Evidence: Researchers have known for years that individuals who receive regular exposure to sunshine have a lower risk of contracting melanoma skin cancer. This fact is not disputed in the scientific community among researchers, although some less-infonned doctors and lobbyists do not understand this relationship. New research is showing that skin cancer is more prevalent in the northern latitudes of North America and Europe.

Fact #4: If regular sun exposure could prevent cancer, why do we always hear the opposite?
Evidence: The fear of the sun, fear of wrinkles and the fear of skin cancer is a multi-billion dollar industry led by special interest groups. Lobbyists for pharmaceutical firms that sell billions of dollars of sunscreens and anti-sun cosmetics have teamed with dermatologists to promote a misinformed campaign of sun abstinence. Conversely, there is no major industry except the indoor tanning industry that could make money by promoting the positive effects of sunshine. The indoor tanning industry consists of smaller companies that do not match the marketing saturation of the multi-billion dollar "sun-scare coalition."

Fact #5: Why don't dermatologists like tanning?
Evidence: The dermatology industry makes most of its money on "vanity visits" from patients. One prominent New York dermatologist estimates that 50-90 percent of the dermatology industry's business is "cosmetic" and medically unnecessary. Skin cancer is an important issue to the dermatology industry because it represents the only subject that its lobbyists can promote as critical.

Fact #6: Is skin cancer a major concern?
Evidence: Absolutely, but it is a concern that professional indoor tanning facilities feel they are addressing effectively by teaching people to tan intelligently indoors and outdoors.