Study: Tanning May Protect Against Cancer

For years, the anti-tanning community has been telling the public that tanning is dangerous and increases the chance of developing skin cancer—but recent research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston suggests that actually may not be the case.

This study, which was reported in the July issue of the Harvard Health Letter, was investigating the relationship between ultraviolet (UV) light, tanning and cancer. UV light is the invisible portion of the light spectrum that penetrates the skin and causes it to tan by stimulating melanin production; at the same time; however, those UV rays can cause mutation in DNA, which can result in cancerous growths.

That knowledge has led to the assumption that tanning itself is the culprit. However, in a series of experiments at the cancer institute, researchers found indication that a suntan actually may be the body’s best effort to fend off the known cancerous effects of ultraviolet (UV) light.

The researchers next task, then, is to find a way to produce a “safe” tan—as in, a tan that is generated by activating the skin’s tanning process without running the risk of DNA damage. Once that “tanning pathway” is harnessed, fair-skinned people will have the opportunity to enjoy the protective benefits of having a tan without going through the hazards of getting one.

Until then; however, safe, responsible and moderate UV exposure remains the recommended approach to tanning.