GA recent study tells us we like our skin to be a little more tan than our straight counterparts. Gay and bisexual men in the United States are twice as likely as heterosexual men to get skin cancer. or maybe our straight tanning buddies are a little more proactive and safe when it comes to worshiping the sun goddess. Bryan, I hope you are reading this, stop using the cooking oil!
One likely reason: Gay and bisexual men are three times more likely to engage in indoor tanning, according to the study to be presented Friday in San Francisco at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. – USATODAY.COM
But is it tanning in general or is there a link to indoor tanning? The researchers found that gay and bisexual men reported participating in indoor tanning more than straight men.
"The primary reason that men and women engage in indoor tanning is because of the cultural association of tanning with a healthy look and overall attractiveness," Arron says. "We need to dispel the myth of the healthy tan. – USATODAY.COM
Living in Florida, I don't notice tans. When living in Maine, I truly noticed tans. Since we were are all under many feet of snow for 8 months out of the year, you notice when someone changes color. I am not sure if I found it attractive or healthy or if I felt jealous since you could tell who didn't have a summertime job.
The researchers then looked at national health survey data for 2013 and found the same thing: A history of skin cancer was twice as common in gay and bisexual men as in straight men, 6.6% vs. 3.3%. About 5% of gay and bisexual men said they had engaged in indoor tanning in the past year vs. 1.7% of straight men. Gay and bisexual women were, again, less likely than straight women to report indoor tanning. – USATODAY.COM
Skin cancer is a serious thing, but do we know what to look for? One scary fact is that if we are not looking for it, is anyone else looking for it on our bodies?
Tari Hanneman, associate director of a health program affiliated with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, explains that some gay and bisexual men might avoid regular check-ups – including skin checks – because of fears of discriminatory treatment.
Also, she says, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are less likely than other people to have health insurance. – USATODAY.COM
If you tan, pay attention to your skin. If you don't pay attention to your skin, go to someone that will.
How many of you have had skin cancer?
How many of you have skin cancer?
Do you still use tanning beds?
I was diagnosed with skin
I was diagnosed with skin cancer last yr in two different places on my body….chest and right arm. I had to have surgery and be admitted overnight. And had to have skin grafts. I have used tanning beds for 26 yrs as I thought I looked better with a tan. The price to pay is not worth it.