List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Jun-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Thousands of American women last year reported using tanning beds on the recommendation of a doctor, for reasons as diverse–and unproven–as depression, vitamin D deficiency and muscle aches. But indoor tanning is a known carcinogen, greatly increasing a woman’s risk for developing melanoma. The story delved into the reasons why physicians might expose their patients to cancer in order to treat such disparate ailments. It also showed the discrepancies and biases of vitamin D research, which is behind many of the health claims of indoor tanning. Major findings: The information about doctor-recommended tanning was part of an ad campaign by the Indoor Tanning Association, which by law is not allowed to make false claims about the “health benefits” of indoor tanning. By claiming doctor recommendations, the industry had found a new way to imply that tanning is healthy. Some doctors send patients to tanning salons to increase their vitamin D levels, and salons often have posters touting the vitamin D benefits of lying in a bed. They point to studies that have claimed an epidemic of low vitamin D in this country, and have tied low D levels to cancers, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and the flu. In fact, many of those studies are funded by the tanning industry and are conducted by an intertwined group of doctors and salesmen. An Institute of Medicine review of more than 1,000 D studies in 2010 found that most of the new claims about vitamin D are not well-proven, too new to be conclusive, or can be countered by other research. This means the biggest health claim the indoor tanning industry makes is based on flimsy evidence, at best. Indoor tanning is not a good source of Vitamin D anyway. Rather, diet and supplements are the best way to increase D level–something even leading vitamin D researchers advocate. Tanning is never safe: One 2010 study showed that using a tanning bed even once increases the chance of developing a melanoma later in life. And users run the risk of literally becoming tanaholics: Research has shown that tanning releases endorphins into the brain, similar to some drug addictions. This means a prescription to tan could also mean a prescription to tanning addiction.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Numerous scientific studies, including investigations into the effects of tanning; the prevalence of skin cancer among young women; and the benefits of vitamin D. A close look at the websites for various vitamin D researchers and advocates revealed an interlocking network of organizations and individuals who fund each other, sit on each others’ boards and promote each others’ work. A detailed review of published scientific papers also revealed that the research is being conducted by the same group of people, often funded by the tanning industry.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviews with several different dermatologists helped to explain the mechanism of tanning, skin cancer, and how tanning can lead to melanomas. They also were able to explain the difference between a tanning booth and a light box used in a dermatologist’s office to treat some skin conditions. Several interviews with ex-tanners who suffered from skin cancer, including one woman whose doctor sent her to a tanning salon when she was a teenager. Interviews with tanning advocates who laid out the arguments for indoor tanning, including doctors who send their patients to a tanning booth.
Results:
It’s hard to gauge the result of a story whose impact would be measured more in what doesn’t happen than what does–that is, if young women who read the story stopped indoor tanning because they realized it was a hazard to their health, despite what their doctors might say.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections or complaints.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Be skeptical: The survey about doctor’s sending patients to tanning salons was propagated by Smart Tan, an indoor tanning trade group, and capitalized on what seems to be some confusion on the part of patients, and even doctors. Only a deeper look at the study revealed that. In all the hype over vitamin D deficiency of late, it is important to look at the details: Who is doing the studies, who is funding them, and how solid is the research? An in-depth look at the studies showed they do not make a strong case for vitamin D deficiency, and are tainted by their funding sources. This required a fair amount of digging. Doctors are fallible: Like the rest of us, they may make assumptions based on research they read about in journals, without making the effort to find out more about the science behind the conclusions.