In a striking warning, Rebecca Lane shares her harrowing journey through 86 skin cancer surgeries, a battle that can largely be attributed to her past use of tanning beds. Rebecca, who first stepped into a tanning bed in high school at the urging of a friend, quickly became hooked. As she transitioned to college, what began as an occasional visit turned into a daily ritual. Desiring to escape her pale complexion and freckles, she found solace in the allure of a sun-kissed glow.
Now, at 44, Rebecca is dedicated to educating others, hoping to prevent them from making the same missteps she did. Reflecting on her past insecurities, she wishes she could tell her 17-year-old self that skin cancer is preventable. “I’d say, ‘Skip the tanning bed. Wear sunscreen. Choose protective clothing. People will appreciate your inner beauty far more than your outer appearance,’” she shared with a sense of urgency.
Her self-consciousness heightened, especially as an athlete, fueled by media portrayals of beauty that made her feel inadequate. The compliments she received while tanned only deepened her addiction. “It became a cycle,” she recalled. “People would say, ‘You look fantastic, that tan suits you,’ and I craved more.”
After landing her first job as a basketball coach, she finally decided to use her health insurance to get a check-up. It was then that two cancer spots were discovered on her leg—yet Rebecca didn’t grasp the severity of the situation. The doctor had to insist she schedule surgery, but even after that, she returned to the tanning beds. “I kept postponing the surgery,” she confessed. “It was weeks before I finally went in after they insisted.”
It wasn’t until she developed aggressive cancers on her cheek and nose that the reality of her situation hit her. She was fighting for her life, and the scars from her battle were a constant reminder. One surgery followed another, and before long, she found herself in and out of the doctor’s office every few months to contain the cancer’s spread.
Each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than with all other cancers combined. This year alone, nearly 100,000 individuals will face melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, with about 7,000 fatalities expected. As the rates of skin cancer diagnoses continue to rise, a generation that once embraced tanning as attractive is now confronting the consequences of their choices.
Skin cancer can manifest at any age, but rates begin to increase significantly for women around age 15. While indoor tanning usage has declined in recent years, it remains a popular choice for millions, particularly among women. Just a single session in a tanning bed before the age of 35 can amplify one’s risk of melanoma by an astounding 59%, with regular use increasing this risk even further. Tanning beds emit 15 times the ultraviolet radiation that the sun does at midday, and UV rays are classified as carcinogenic.
To protect against excessive sun exposure, it’s crucial to wear UV-blocking hats, clothing, and sunglasses, along with daily sunscreen application during the warmer months. The ABCDE method can help in identifying potential skin cancer: assess for (A)symmetry, irregular or ragged (B)orders, multiple (C)olors, a (D)iameter larger than a pencil eraser, and (E)volving characteristics. It’s best to consult a doctor about any concerning spots, and don’t hesitate to enlist help for hard-to-see areas.
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In summary, Rebecca Lane’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers associated with tanning beds and the importance of skin health. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their well-being and embrace their natural beauty.
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