Journal article reminds of the dangers of tanning beds

(WSYR-TV) -- With the first day of spring, many folks will be tempted to get a head start on that tan for the summer.

But the journal “Pediatrics” is reminding parents that tanning beds raise the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. The article says 35 to 45 percent of white adolescent girls use indoor tanning devices.

Rates of melanoma more than doubled for women age 15 to 39 between 1973 and 2004. The authors say 25 percent of melanomas may be attributable to tanning beds.

The article goes on to encourage a safe alternative, like spray tanning.