Deadly Risks Of Sun Tanning
KYW Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Summer is here and whether you are heading to the beach, a nearby pool or just pulling weeds in the yard you are being exposed to the sun's dangerous rays. And, if you are like many people, you are welcoming these rays with the thought that you are on your way to achieving a great tan. You want to look good. You think having a tan makes you feel better. Well let me tell you something, there are risks associated with it.
Basically, if you're going to enjoy the sun, you need to be careful.
According to the World Health Organization, as many as 60,000 people a year die from too much sun, mostly from malignant skin cancer. In fact, 48,000 deaths each year can be attributed to malignant melanoma.
Radiation from the sun often leads to serious sunburn, skin aging and eye cataracts. I am not trying to put a damper on the summer but use common sense and plenty of sunblock.