Should humans tan on purpose if they KNOW it causes Cancer?

Question

To tan or not to tan?

Answer 1

People are vain. They want to look tanned because society has decided that being tanned is equivalent to being healthy (which is true to some extent). Healthy people are more attractive than unhealthy looking people. Plus UV exposure can be addictive because it stimulates the body to produce endorphins which make you feel happy. Addicts will not stop even if they know it is bad for them. Just look at smokers for example. I highly doubt people will stop tanning unless they see everyone around them who tans develop skin cancer and die. This may happen in the near future, but for now tanners will still bake in the sun.

Here is a news report on the subject:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20040713/suntan_UVaddictionstudy_20040713?s_name=&no_ads=

Answer 2

Should we? No. Do we? Yes. I have been tanning all my life and in a salon for the last ten years. I have to take meticulous care of my skin and moisturize and use good lotions but am starting to see the efects.
If you are young and have good skin I would recomend a spray tan or self tanning lotion for a big tan. For just a little tan or just some color you can tan some.
Many people do not believe the sun or the tanning salon is safe at all and I'm sure it is NOT. For me it's a vanity thing.
Just be careful and use good judgement...and good lotion.

Answer 3

It's not an absolute that you will get skin cancer from tanning...
People smoke, use drugs, have unprotected sex, drive like idiots, participate in extreme sports and drink alcohol too...so I think tanning shouldn't be that much of a concern.

Answer 4

Not if they "know", but how would they know? It's said that smoking causes cancer, but most smokers don't get cancer. Cancer from too much sun is rare, a new theory is that people that avoid the sun are more apt to get skin cancer than those that spend a lot of time in the sun.

Answer 5

Should humans drive cars on purpose in the US, if they knew 45,000+ people per year die on our roads and highways? I'm a big fan of tanning(and driving), so I'd have to say "Yes" to both. Drive fast, tan savagely, you might die young, you might not, but either way you'll look good, and that's what really counts,right?

Answer 6

People smoke tobacco on purpose and they know that causes cancer. Survival of the fittest, if you are too stupid not to smoke or not to tan then you don't deserve to survive.

Answer 7

It depends on the person skin tone.Its common sense to know-those who are fair(pale skin,light eyes,freckles)will burn alot quicker than those who are dark haired and dark eyed.This means you have more chance to get skin cancer more.Also any moles exposed,is very dangerous-could change shape and colour meaning could lead to cancer.Its sill to use a sunbed,as the uv rays are harmful to skin,plus you age so quickly!I know about this as I worked in a salon,they had a sunbed.I used to have to operate it for clients.Keep safe in sun,wear atleast factor 20(no lower)if you do choose to sunbathe.

Answer 8

do not tan! it is a fact that it does cause cancer. i don't know why anyone would choose to increase their risks for getting cancer.

Answer 9

Well, no, they shouldn't. It would seem a bit irresponsible. But then again, so does speeding, smoking, drinking too much, eating fatty foods, not exercising, etc.

So, in the grand scheme of things, it's probably not the top bad habit that people should eliminate from their lives, but it should be on the list.

Answer 10

It's okay to tan a little bit, but if you do it often, that'll lead to skin cancer. They say one bad burn when you're young can lead to cancer when you're... say 50?