In the summertime, UW-Madison brings its own definition of ""fun-in-the-sun."" For this campus, the hot summer days are not about just casually absorbing UV rays while sailing or lounging at Memorial Union. It's lying out on a towel under the sun or visiting a tanning booth with the sole purpose of getting a tan.
This summer, students on campus are looking for ideal ways to get a sun-bronzed glow, because they think tanning improves their appearance.
""To me, tanning is to portray healthier skin,"" UW-Madison sophomore Hana Abu said.
Although many students tan under the sun or in tanning booths, according to some medical experts, this tradition may be posing more threats than benefits to students.
Sarah Van Orman, executive director of University Health Services, warns about possible health risks associated with tanning.
""Both [sunburns] as well as using tanning beds significantly increase the risks of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which is of course one of the most deadly types of skin cancer,"" Orman said, adding that tanning has other negative effects besides cancer.
""We think of cancer risk as primary, but the other thing that is important for people to realize about is aging,"" Van Orman said. ""We know the more sun exposure you have, the quicker your skin ages. So, in wanting to look youthful, you get older.""
The sun contains two types of ultraviolet radiation that reach the skin: UVB rays, which cause sunburns and skin cancer, and UVA rays, which cause a tan, as well as wrinkles, brown spots, a leathery texture and skin cancer as well.
Sandy Knisely, a recent graduate of UW-Madison, lies under the sun on Bascom Hill to read and write while getting a tan.
""I think I'm much more attractive when I'm tanned instead of looking pale [and] sickly,"" Knisely said. ""I know it's not good for you to do it a lot, but in summer, I think you should be a little darker than you are.""
UW-Madison sophomore Sondra Milkie also lies on Bascom Hill to enjoy the sunshine.
""I know you're not supposed to, but I just love being in the sun,"" Milkie said. ""I don't love being burned, but it happens.""
Despite warnings from medical experts, some students disregard the advice and take advantage of the summer sun.
Van Orman worries about the acceptance of tanning among students.
""Unfortunately, tanning is still really common,"" Van Orman said. ""There are tanning salons everywhere that kind of tell people that tanning is OK.""
For example, Ashley Dunn, a manager at The Perfect Tan, said tanning actually has health benefits.
""Tanning [helps the body produce] vitamin D, which helps cell growth,"" Dunn said. ""There's a study as well that vitamin D actually helps cell growth and helps against breast cancer, and also it often lets out endorphins if you do have that seasonal depression.""
Yet, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best way to get vitamin D is through diet and supplements.
Other tanning salons say tanning facilities are overall a more enjoyable experience than tanning in the sun.
""If you tan outside, you would have to wear some clothing obviously, because you are outside,"" said a staff member at Madison Tanning Company. ""But if you come to tanning beds, you have your own room and you feel comfortable and don't have to worry about tanning lines.""
Despite some of the benefits tanning salons offer, Van Orman says she does not see any positive sides of either getting a tan in the sun or in booths.
""Sometimes people say, ‘If I get a tan, then I won't get a burn,'"" Van Orman said. ""While perhaps that's true, it doesn't do anything to protect you from the risks of sun [or] do anything to lower cancer risks associated with it.""
Instead of getting a tan and absorbing harmful UV rays, medical professionals recommend students try alternative options.
""You know, having a tan is considered really attractive and healthy,"" Van Orman said. ""The good news is, there are a lot of good tanning alternatives like self-tanners.""
Some tanning salons are providing ways to get a base tan besides UV rays.
""We are going to be putting in some sunless tanning booths,"" Dunn said. ""A lot of people who are scared to go into tanning beds or just want [a] quick fix, they can go on to sunless tan, which is a spray tan.""
Another way for students to minimize the risks of skin cancer is to routinely visit UHS to check their skin.
""We have a dermatology clinic and we work with students who will come in to have their moles checked,"" Orman said. ""It's really important that if you have a history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma or if they have a lot of moles, check.""
Although feeling the warmth of the sun and looking healthy can be a pleasurable experience, it can be dangerous. Therefore, health professionals encourage students this summer to take precautions in order to prevent short-term, as well as long-term, health problems.
