The desire to have tanned skin is pushing many American women in the ditch of skin cancer.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, happens due to unprotected exposure to sun. It starts with the appearance of skin lesions. It is basically a cancer, which is related to pigment-producing cells of the skin. People with fair skin have more chances to have this deadly skin cancer. The latest research on melanoma shows 50% growth in the number of women patients of melanoma since 1980.

This research was led by Mark Purdue of the National Cancer Institute. The researchers examined melanoma cases between 1973 and 2004.They found 50 percent increase in melanoma incidence in women between the ages of 15 and 39. However the number of melanoma cases in men has stabilized.

This sudden increase in melanoma cases is attributed to the increasing desire of American women to have tanned skin. The culture of tanning salons has also contributed to this sharp increase in melanoma cases. Many women who have a busy lifestyle go once or twice to these tanning salons to have tanned skin. Some women are so addicted to tan culture as they feel incomplete without a tanned body. The fear of skin cancer is not enough to stop these women from having skin tanning.

According to American Cancer Society, 62,480 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Around 8,420 people will lose their lives due to melanoma. Various cancer specialists’ advise to avoid direct exposure to the sun. They also recommend using protective clothing or sunscreen lotions while going out in sun.