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CANCER FROM PAGE 02
58 percent of test users reported some type of burning because of tanning. If an individual gets burned more than five times, they are at an increased risk for skin cancer, according to the FDA.
Applied Behavioral Economist Derek Reed, an assistant professor at the University, conducted studies on tanning and possible repercussions of it. He said he's seen addictive behavior, which could be chemical and behavioral. He said there's a large demographic that tans in Lawrence, mostly ages 18 to mid-20s, in large part because of social pressures.
"Peer pressure is huge," Reed said. "[People tan] simply because they want to fit in."
When he and his team arrived to a tanning salon convention for research, they weren't allowed in. He said it's clear there is a lack in regulations; some disclaimers are vague about the risks involved.
Because of her cancer, Shriver has spoken out against tanning in various publications — including once in "Seventeen" magazine in 2012. She is also a spokesperson for her hometown dermatologist. She said as a teen she didn't consider the dangers of tanning, but she and her friends were aware they existed.
Although she's a naturally active person, Shriver said she can't do high-impact exercise, such as jumping jacks or running, because her bones ache from the treatment.
However, melanoma among both older and younger demographics
has started to be detected sooner. Davis said he's treated patients as young as seven with melanoma and some in their early 20s.
"One theory was that it was partly due to that we're doing better at [schooling] and therefore picking up more cases," Davis said. As an oncologist, Davis treats patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer at KUCC.
"We may be close to say it can be cured," he said. "We are seeing people earlier in the state; they're getting picked up on early skin lesions. We are seeing more people early stage, fortunately not as advanced stage."
He attributes better results to better drugs developed in the past year at the University's cancer center in conjunction with recent research.
The center also has a drug to target melanoma in the works,he said.
"We're kind of on the brink of treatment with melanoma," Davis said. "It's kind of an exciting time because the new knowledge is coming pretty fast."
Both Davis and Aires encourage people to learn the risks involved with exposure to harsh UV rays and take into account the different skin sensitivities.
"One of the things I tell my younger patients is: learn to love the skin you are in. Don't try to change your natural pigment by getting tanned," Aires said. "Work with it and if you don't, you're going to hurt yourself in the process.
"If you look like Prince Harry's brother, leave it," Aires said. "All different colors are beautiful."
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