All tag results for 'melanoma'

American teenagers who love to look like golden goddesses or gods are not going to love Idaho and 17 other state's following California's indoor tan ban.

Much like Cali, Idaho is in the process of restricting anybody under the age of 18 from using an indoor tanning bed because of the increased risk of melanoma.

We figured teenagers out here could just take advantage of the sun's natural UV rays to darken their skin, but most of the nation doesn't have access to this kind of weather, so if the legislation passes in other states, they'll have to try Snooki's sunless tanner, SunLove.

This is a huge hit to the tanning industry too because an estimated 70% of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and women between the ages of 16 and 29. In fact, 2.3 million of the industry's active customer base is under the age of 18.

Obviously, the Indoor Tanning Association isn't happy about it and thinks parental waivers would be more appropriate, saying:

Tags: california, cancer, dangerous, idaho, indoor tanning, melanoma, men, tanning, uv rays, women

A new study is showing a link between taller women and a high chance of getting one of ten different cancers. Which sucks, because it isn't like you can do anything about how tall you are.

Researchers followed 1.3 million middle-aged women in the United Kingdom for several years, and found the risk of cancer increased by about 16% for every 4 inches or 10 centimeters of increased height.

Tags: body, cancer, food, leukemia, melanoma, new study, research, researchers, results, smoking, study, tall, women

A new study is suggesting that some women who are at major risk of the worst kind of skin cancer (melanoma) could possibly be cutting that risk in half just by taking a vitamin d/calcium supplement!

"It looks like there is some promising evidence for vitamin D and calcium for prevention of melanoma in a high-risk group," said lead researcher Dr. Jean Tang, an assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine.

If you've had previous non-melanoma forms of skin cancer, like basal cell or squamous cell, you're some of the women most at risk for getting melanoma. Not only should you keep getting checked out if abnormal skin growths show up, but it sounds like a regiment of vitamin d/calcium supplements couldn't hurt either!

This really is a simple way to potentially lower risk — there's no reason not to!

Stay healthy, everyone!

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: calcium, cancer, medicine, melanoma, new study, prevent, prevention, research, skin, skin cancer, study, supplement, women

Tanning has severe consequences.

A mother-of-three who has been tanning since she was 16 just died from skin cancer… she had 19 tumors throughout her body.

Donna Ballantyne hit up tanning beds twice a week, and developed melanoma nine years ago, and has spent the last decade battling off cancer.

Her death was not in vain, though, as she spent the last parts of her life spreading the word about the dangers of tanning and raising over $1 million for cancer charities.

Said Donna:

“If I could turn back time, I wouldn't have spent even one second of my life on a sunbed. I am convinced that if I had never been near a sunbed I would not have been left fighting for my life after skin cancer spread around my body.”

Our thoughts go out to her family.

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: cancer, melanoma, tanning

If you could go back in time and tell your 16-year-old self anything, what would it be?

For the people in this video it would be to wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds — they are melanoma survivors.

There is NO SUCH THING as a “healthy” tan. If you have a tan you have skin damage, and have increased your risk of developing skin cancer.

Don’t sacrifice your future for that “healthy” glow.

It’s not worth it.

Tags: melanoma, skin cancer, tan, warning

Guys, if you know a scientist, go give them a high-five. Scientists are kickass!

The FDA has just approved a breakthrough cancer medication that researchers are saying will prolong the lives of patients with melanoma. While it’s certainly not a cure, it’s a big step.

Said Tim Turnham, director of the Melanoma Research Foundation:

"Clearly this is not a home run, but it's a solid base hit. And because we see other things in the pipeline, we think this the first in a series of important new therapies for melanoma."

The new drug called Yervoy is different than traditional cancer treatments like chemo therapy in that it utilizes the immune system’s ability to fight off cancer instead of trying to kill the cancer with outside chemicals (chemo).

This is huge! Sooo awesome!

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: cancer, melanoma, treatment

A recent study found that melanoma rates among young white women have more than doubled in the past three decades. And the rates are especially high in wealthy, educated women.

As to the reason why this trend is happening, senior author Christina A. Clarke has an idea:

“We think this has to do with cultural preferences in higher-income groups for tanning, having the time to tan and the means to pay for tanning beds, and sun exposure on vacations in the middle of winter.”

Here’s our advice: NEVER go to tanning beds. AND wear sunscreen every day — especially on your face.

You will pay the price later in life if you don’t protect yourself while you’re young.

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: melanoma, rich, white