In Mason, Ohio, two young women are openly discussing their enthusiasm for sun‑bathing and tanning beds, even as medical professionals warn that early exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation dramatically raises the chance of developing melanoma.
Local voices on a national health concern
Elle Ziegenfuss, 22, and her younger sister Kate, both residents of Mason, say they spend any sunny day at the pool or outdoors, chasing the “golden glow” they associate with confidence and even a sense of dopamine‑driven happiness. “If it’s sunny, I’m texting my girlfriends and we are making our way to a pool,” Elle said, adding that a tan makes her feel better about herself.
Both sisters acknowledge the health warnings they have heard. They know sunscreen can prevent wrinkles and skin cancer, yet they admit the desire for a deeper tan often outweighs those concerns. “I feel a lot of confidence when I’m more tan,” Elle explained, while Kate said the tan simply makes her feel “so much better about myself.”
Medical experts stress prevention
Dr. Dan Flora, a medical oncologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital, says melanoma is “completely preventable in theory.” He notes that more than 100,000 new melanoma cases are expected in the United States this year, with the American Cancer Society projecting about 8,500 deaths.
Research indicates that using indoor tanning devices before age 20 increases a person’s risk of melanoma by roughly 47 percent. “We want folks to avoid getting sunburns. That doesn’t just mean using sunscreen; it means paying attention to what you’re doing,” Dr. Flora said. He recommends limiting outdoor exposure during peak UV hours—typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—and having a clear plan for protection.
Parental‑rights and personal responsibility
Dr. Flora likens sun protection to other safety habits. “When they get in the car, we have them put the seatbelt on. We wouldn’t think twice about that. It’s the same thing when you’re protecting them from the sun,” he said, emphasizing that the benefits are long‑term rather than immediate.
Both Elle and Kate say they are beginning to use sunscreen more consistently and have stopped using tanning beds, but they do not plan to abandon the desire for a tan entirely. “I definitely think further ahead because I don’t want to get skin cancer, but I’m also young and I want to feel good,” Elle admitted.
What Mason families can do
Local health officials recommend the following steps for families concerned about UV exposure:
- Apply a broad‑spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours when outdoors.
- Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m.–2 p.m.).
- Wear protective clothing, wide‑brimmed hats, and UV‑blocking sunglasses.
- Avoid indoor tanning devices, especially for those under 20.
- Use smartphone apps to monitor daily UV index and plan activities accordingly.
By adopting these habits, Mason residents can reduce the risk of melanoma while still enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
