The Confessions of an Ex-Tanner

Hear first-hand about what drew these ex-tanners into the tanning beds, what they wish they knew before they started and why you should sign the Take a Stand, Don’t Tan pledge.

Megan C.

Megan C. was only 21-years old when she was diagnosed with stage I melanoma.  She was an avid tanner―at the beach, the pool and visiting tanning salons up to five times a week.  She didn’t worry about the risks associated with UV-exposure because she thought that melanoma couldn’t possibly happen to her.  Megan was lucky and found the melanoma early and this may have saved her life.

When did you first start tanning?

I first started tanning my sophomore year of high school when I was 15 years old and continued to do so until my junior year of college.

Why did you first start?

I first started because I had a semi-formal dance and thought I'd look better with a tan. I continued to tan before big events like prom and summer vacations.  Once I was in college, I was tanning all the time because I felt I looked better.  Aside from tanning salons, I would lie outside a lot during the summer without any sunscreen.

Were you aware of the risks?  Did the tanning salon tell you anything about the health risks?

I knew there were some risks, but when I first started tanning, the risks weren't talked about as much as they are now and I didn't think anything would happen to me.  I remember having to sign a document during my first visit to any tanning salon and there were small warning labels on the beds―but the salons never verbally warned me.

How often did you tan? 

I would say on average, at least three times a week.

How was your melanoma found?  How was it treated?

During a visit to see my dermatologist he noticed something strange under my left clavical.  It had also caught my eye because I didn't remember it being there before and it looked strange to me.  After I had the biopsy (FYI: a biopsy is a surgical procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed and then examined in a lab) and received the results, I had to have surgery to remove the melanoma.  A plastic surgeon performed my surgery and removed the melanoma and the area around it.

What was your first thought when you heard the word “cancer” from your doctor?

I was in complete shock and it took a few minutes to even process.  Then I just kept thinking, “I can't believe I have cancer.”  I was only 21-years old and did not think in a million years I would be hearing that I had melanoma.  I was stunned beyond belief.  Sadness and anger followed.

What is your attitude towards tanning like now?  How has your future been affected?

When I think about tanning now, I almost cringe.  I can't believe that I spent so much time and energy damaging my skin because I thought it looked better.  The consequences of tanning are so awful and there are so many safe ways to get "color" if you really want it.  Right after I was diagnosed with melanoma, I was constantly going to the dermatologist and receiving biopsies.  I have a lot of scars and I have to see a dermatologist at least twice a year for checkups.  Sunscreen is also now my forever best friend.

What would you say to someone who tans?  What about people who say they do it because it makes them feel healthy?

Someone who tans needs to know the risks.  So many people out there tan and don't think anything will happen to them, but it's not true and I think I'm proof of that.  Everyone is at risk if they are tanning and being tan does not make anyone more beautiful.  There is nothing about tanning that is healthy and I hate to see people think that.  No one should have to feel the anger and sadness I experienced and I wish I had been smarter about tanning so I wouldn’t have had such a scary and life-threatening experience.

Laura J.

At 22-years old, Laura J. was diagnosed with stage III melanoma.  As a teenager, she’d worked at a tanning salon and started tanning regularly but never really thought about the risks.  After a scary diagnosis, surgery and an intense year of Interferon (FYI: Interferon is a standard treatment used for melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes), she’s fully committed to educating others about sun safety.

When did you first start tanning?

I first started tanning when I was in high school.   After I was hired to work at a tanning salon, I began to tan more regularly.   

Why did you first start?

All the girls who I worked with were beautiful and tanned.  They used tanning beds, so I thought I would try it. I was always so pale and I wanted to be like every other girl.

Were you aware of the risks?  Did the tanning salon tell you anything about the health risks?

I didn't know about the risks.  My mother had warned me a few times that I shouldn't be tanning so much but I really didn't fully understand the consequences.  Nothing was ever posted in the salon, nor did we have to inform the customers that there were any risks associated with tanning.

How often did you tan? 

At first it was every other day, starting at five minutes at a time.  I gradually built up to 15 minutes.  I never tanned ― I always burned, but I thought that I’d tan at some point.  

How was your melanoma found?  How was it treated?

My cousin who is a registered nurse noticed the mole when we were on vacation.  I waited a few years to see anyone about it and when I was pregnant it grew and bled.  I visited a dermatologist a few months after having my baby and he removed it and sent it off for a biopsy.  I received a phone call two days later with the results.  I was only 20 at the time and didn’t understand what he was telling me as I knew nothing about melanoma.  I called my dad and he explained everything to me.

What was your first thought when you heard the word “cancer” from your doctor?

I was terrified!  I thought I could die and I had just had a baby who was only two months old.  I didn't fully understand how bad it really was.  After my surgery, I was on Interferon for one year.  It was the most difficult year of my life ― with a small baby to take care of and feeling awful because of the side effects.  I had to depend on my parents to help me with taking care of my child and taking care of me.

What is your attitude towards tanning like now?  How has your future been affected?

I don't tan nor will I ever again!  I'm very aware of putting sunscreen on every day and staying out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I’m teaching my children (I now have 2 daughters) about the importance of using sunscreen and how sunburns can make you sick.

What would you say to someone who tans?  What about people who say they do it because it makes them feel healthy?

I tell everyone I know who tans about what I went through and hope they stop.  I ask them how tanning can possibly make you healthy and I try to get them to understand the risks associated with tanning beds.  Some people listen but many others do not.