Cover up with SPF before tanning - The sun's effects cannot be seen immediately, but those rays can do some nasty damage

Despite documented research and various campaigns proclaiming the dangers of overexposure to sunlight and the practice of tanning in general, whether it be artificial or natural, attitudes about tanning are still overwhelmingly casual. With nice weather now upon us, it might be a good time to consider the risks involved with gaining a summer glow.

What's all the fuss about, you ask? Simply stated, the ultraviolet light rays from the sun and the condition of being sunburned in general damage your skin and this damage can lead to skin cancer. Both the total amount of sun received over the years and overexposure to sun, resulting in sunburn, may result in cancer. It should also be noted that by the age of 18, most people have received 80 percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun.

Skin cancer is a disease where cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. There are many forms of cancer which can start in the skin. The most common are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Melanoma, a disease of the skin where malignant cancer cells are found in the cells that color the skin, is also common. These forms of cancer are commonly treatable if detected early.

In addition to the sun, there are other factors that can affect one's risk of getting skin cancer.

There are environmental factors, including elevation, latitude and cloud cover. Also there is a higher level of UV light now then there was 50 or 100 years ago. Heredity is another influence. If there is a history of skin cancer in your family, you are probably at a higher risk. People with fair skin and a northern European heritage seem to be most susceptible. This cultural factor can cause false securities.

Freshman Divya Prasad, of Indian descent, said that because her skin is darker, she does not worry about the effects of the sun, "I mean if you don't get sunburned, you're less likely to be concerned about it."

Students surveyed seemed overall apathetic about tanning dangers, but are at least educated about what precautions they should be taking against the sun. Freshman Nichole Laskowski took the issue of tanning especially lightly, but then touted the benefits of sunscreen.

"I love tanning. Even though I will probably have skin cancer in like two years, at least I'll look hot -Of course, [I wear sunscreen]. You still get tanned; you just don't get burned."

Prasad laughed about her lack of protection. "Sometimes I do the opposite. I use oil on my legs."

In addition, though the risks of artificial tanning are publicized, it is popular as well. Freshman Claire Kim commented, "I'm not for tanning and I think it's stupid to go, but I mean if someone wants to go, then I'm not against it either."

Freshman Emily Caporello claimed that "booth tanning takes the fun out of it, but [she has] a lot of friends who go."

Another argument offered by Hopkins students surveyed was that their tanning is just one out of many other ways to develop a cancer.

"I mean, there are a trillion ways to get cancer," said Capporello. She also commented that to be completely wary of cancer risks, she'd have to "give up Diet Coke, hair products and greenhouse vegetables" as well.

So what can you do to avoid the ill effects of the sun, should you choose to act on your sunlight danger awareness? The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend that you: minimize your exposure to the sun at midday and between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Avoid exposure to UV radiation from sun lamps or tanning parlors.