Memo to sun worshippers: Leading health scientists have determined there’s no such thing as a safe tan.

George Washington University researchers noted many people mistakenly believe a slight tan – as opposed to sunburn – can protect them from skin cancer. But in fact GW experiments involving mice have found virtually any exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun can potentially lead to skin cancer.

"This is the first time that UV-induced melanin formation [tanning], traditionally thought to protect against skin cancer, is shown to be directly involved in melanoma formation," said Edward C. De Fabo, who led the study published in the journal Nature Communications. “Dermatologists have been warning for years there is no such thing as a safe tan and this new data appears to confirm this."
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The GW researchers also noted tanning beds raise the risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the U.S. and rates are rising. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2012, there will be more than 76,000 new cases of melanoma in the United States and 9,180 deaths. Melanoma is curable if recognized and treated early.
The study was funded, in part, by the National Cancer Institute.