Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, my friends and I were well aware of the dangers associated with tanning beds and sun exposure, yet we still indulged in them. Armed with baby oil, tanning accelerators, and Sun-In for our hair, we would lounge in the sun—often with tin foil to amplify our “tan”—baking in the driveway.
Before prom, it was almost a rite of passage to secure a month-long membership at the local tanning salon. We’d often meet after school to tan before heading out for ice cream, completely oblivious to the long-term consequences of our actions. At sixteen, skin cancer seemed like a distant threat—something that happened to other people, not us.
However, many of us now wish we could turn back time and reverse the damage we’ve caused. One thing we didn’t have was a brave voice like that of Jenna Collins, a mother of two, who recently shared a poignant photo after having a cancerous spot removed from her face. Her story might have been the wake-up call we needed back then to reconsider our tanning habits.
Jenna’s experience brings the harsh reality of skin cancer to the forefront. She warns that it can happen to anyone, and her own diagnosis is likely rooted in her teenage tanning bed use. At just 26 years old, she faces the daunting prospect of lifelong check-ups to ensure no further dangerous spots appear. In her heartfelt post, Jenna revealed, “I will have to endure routine checks for life, and almost 100% certainly many more painful appointments to remove skin cancer from my body.”
She wants to shield her daughter from making the same mistakes, vowing that while her child is under her roof, tanning beds will not be an option. Jenna hopes that sharing her struggles will deter her daughter and other young women from seeking that bronze glow in tanning beds and instead encourage them to apply sunscreen diligently.
I recently shared Jenna’s story and images with my own teenage daughter. Although she loves sunbathing and feels great when she has a tan, I reminded her of the reality that Jenna faces. It’s sobering to realize that spending just two years tanning can lead to a lifetime of anxiety about skin health.
The frightening truth is that this could be a risk for anyone, even those who have never stepped foot in a tanning salon. We’ve all had moments when we thought skipping sunscreen a few times wouldn’t hurt for a radiant glow.
Jenna’s openness about her situation serves a critical purpose; if her story can save even a few individuals from this painful journey, then her bravery in sharing it is invaluable. Thank you, Jenna, for shining a light on this serious issue.
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Summary
Jenna Collins, a mother of two, shared her experience with skin cancer after years of tanning, urging young women to avoid tanning beds and prioritize skin health.
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