Unfortunately, this story didn't mention the role that tanning beds play in the increasing rate of skin cancer. Doctors are seeing a sharp increase in malignant melanoma in very young people due to the use of tanning salons. Tanning even just once a month can increase your chance of malignant melanoma by over 50%.

also not mentioned was that having dark skin, skin that tans easily, and protection from UV in childhood, don't mean you are safe from melanoma. i wasn't. and i have never used a tanning bed.

According to conversations with a melanoma specialist, many sunscreens do not protect significantly against the rays that induce melanoma, even if they are a high SPF sunscreen. That's because of the way the SPF rating system works (it may change now that people recognize the problem). To protect yourself, don't rely on chemical sunscreens. Sunscreens with a high % zinc or titanium are better because they block out all types of rays (but they usually make you look white) or stay out of the sun altogether. Examples include Blue Lizard Baby, Solbar or Kabana (you can read the ingredients on the back label). Another thing to note - it's not clear how healthy the chemical sunscreens are. No one has looked at their longterm effects. Finally, for disclosure purposes, I have no industry links, I'm not trying to sell anything!