Another study is concluding that a person’s genetic propensity for sunburn and skin damage are bigger risk factors than UV exposure itself for skin cancer, EverydayHealth.com reported on its web site Wednesday.

The story looks at a study conducted by teams from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and the University of Wisconsin.

“Previously, evaluations for skin cancer risk focused primarily on standards like gender. But the Birmingham and Madison researchers added family history, ethnicity, and an estimated 41,000 genetic variations specific to individuals to the model to provide further accuracy. They found that this all-inclusive recipe was the most precise in forecasting a person’s likelihood of developing skin cancer,” EveryDayHealth.com reported.

The story quoted lead author Dr. Ana Inés Vázquez, PhD, of the UAB Department of Biostatistics, as saying, “While many aspects of this technique are still under development, our new predictive model was able to account for a large proportion of each person’s predisposition for skin cancer.”

The study is in line with others that have shown that traits like red hair and the number of moles a person has on their body are the biggest risk factors for skin cancer, regardless of one’s sun exposure.

“Studies like this show that the UV-skin cancer issue is much more complicated than simply telling someone to avoid UV, which isn’t natural,” Smart Tan Executive Director Joseph Levy said. “It’s sad that so many in the press and in public policy positions have not yet come to grips with how to properly address the nuance of teaching moderation and sunburn prevention instead of sun abstinence.”

The professional sunbed community teaches sunburn prevention as its bottom line — taking a balanced approach to sun care.

To read the Everyday Health article click here.

SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can’t say in your tanning salon business.

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