Warning: Spring break sun has a dark side

Daydreams and fantasies of leaving the State College tundra and sunbathing in the scorching sun of a tropical paradise for spring break may be on the agenda of many University students. But according to the American Cancer Society, students should proceed with caution and heed the warning: fry now, pay later.

At the spur of the moment, a bronze appearance may seem appealing, but tanning has a dark side -- ultraviolet exposure or overexposure can lead to serious health hazards.

"Tanning may make women look good now, but in the future, they don't want to look like a prune," said Johannie Tizol (junior-administration of justice). "It can have long-term complications."

The tanning process changes skin color beneath the surface of the skin. These changes can lead to a wrinkled, leathery appearance called "premature skin aging" and to skin cancer. Each time skin is forced to darken itself, the chance of developing skin cancer later in life increases, said Dr. Hattie Faison, University physician and internal medicine specialist.

Every year, more than 600,000 people get skin cancer; some cases are curable if detected early. The culprit of most skin cancers is overexposure to the sun, according to the American Cancer Society.

During spring break, many students visit the Carolinas, Florida, Mexico or other warm-weather destinations. They do not take the sun seriously and underestimate its power, said Nina Horjatschun (junior-human development and family studies).

Awareness and protection are key factors in preventing the development of skin cancer, Faison said.

"Tanning is definitely a prevalent topic with college women," Horjatschun said. "I know a lot of people that are going away for spring break and are going to tanning beds to develop a base tan."

Tanning beds have been extremely popular, especially among women, during the past week, said Arlene Tepsic, owner of New To You, 135 S. Allen St.

"There is definitely a noticeable difference in tanning clients," Tepsic said. "This week alone, we have experienced about a 90 percent increase."

Students should get a base tan before being exposed to direct sunlight, Tepsic said. But, according to the cancer society, radiation from tanning booths can be more intense at the surface of the skin and produce the effect in a shorter amount of time -- increasing the risk of skin cancer.

There are three types of skin cancer -- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, Faison said.

The most common type, basal cell carcinoma, grows slowly and rarely spreads, although it can damage nearby tissue. It appears as a pink or white pearly bump or an irritated patch that may bleed and crust over.

Appearing as a pink bump or scaly patch with an open sore in the center, squamous cell carcinoma is more dangerous and can be fatal. It grows more quickly and may spread more than basal cell carcinoma.

When skin cancer is most severe and rare, it is diagnosed as malignant melanoma. Melanoma may grow from an existing mole or birthmark or from normal skin. It may appear in varying shades of black, brown, red or blue and the surface may crust and bleed.

To prevent skin cancer, the cancer society recommends students take the proper precautions. Avoiding the sun when rays are the strongest -- usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Covering up -- wearing wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15. The sunscreen should be applied at least 15 to 30 minutes before venturing outdoors into the sun and reapplied after swimming or sweating.

Warning signs of skin cancer include a mole which changes size, shape or color; an unusual growth on the skin; skin changing color in spots or a sore that won't heal.

Ninety percent of skin cancers occur on parts of the body not usually covered with clothing -- face, hands, forearms and ears. Tanners usually get skin cancer on their shoulders, back, chest or legs, according to the cancer society.

"During spring break, students should try to limit their exposure to the sun to the times of the day when the sun is not at peak," Faison said. "And limit the time they are out in the sun to about 30 minutes or less and get sunscreen."