Safe tan. An oxymoron.
Skin cancer may be a very preventable malignancy, yet the incidence is increasing at an epidemic rate. Solar ultraviolet radiation is the major carcinogenic agent. The expression "a good healthy tan" is a contradiction; tanning is the biological process of the skin responding to injury. Regular use of a properly selected and applied sunscreen is one of the essential primary prevention strategies for reducing the incidence of skin cancer. Nurses can be instrumental in helping patients/clients understand the dangers of suntanning and the need for protection against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
Bargoil
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Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549.
Erdman
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LK
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
D013473:Sunscreening Agents