In the last few weeks a video of skin cancer survivors addressing their 16-year-old selves has consumed my timeline, newsfeed, and conversations with friends and family. As a survivor of Melanoma I thought it was time to address the situation to all tanning bed users out there.
We all know tanning is bad for you, SO WHY DO IT??
Aside from giving you wrinkles and age spots, it increases your chances of getting Melanoma by 75%. For those who think this can't happen to them, Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in women 20 to 29 years old.
When I was 9, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, although at the time I had no idea what was going on, I knew things were going to change. After months of doctor visits and surgeries, I was lucky to have caught the cancer early enough that the doctors were able to remove all of it. Since the day I was told of my cancer, it has been ingrained into my mind how important it is to take care of your skin and how lucky I am to still be here. Having melanoma is not something I talk about often or share with many people. For most of my friends this is probably the first they are learning about it. But, I was so inspired by the cancer survivors in the video something had to be said… so here it goes…
Dear tanning bed users,
Please think about what you're doing to your body, every time you get into the bed you are risking your life and your future. Melanoma is the deadliest and most dangerous form of skin cancer, 10 minutes in the bed is not worth your life.
Please, please get your skin checked regularly, and get a spray tan instead. Let's honest, no one actually cares how tan you are, and do you really want to look 45 when you're only 30? Age spots are real, why do you think Jennifer Aniston looks so good? She doesn't have any. But seriously, your health and life are far more important than the shade of your skin.
As a survivor of melanoma, I have realized how special each day is and how important it is to maintain my health, not only for myself, but for my friends and family.
So please, the next time you want to get in the bed, think about your family and how much your health and well-being means to them. Don't take the people in your life for granted by lying in a bed for 10 minutes... it's just not worth it.
