Still, a study earlier this year found that most Americans think having darker skin is appealing and gives a healthy look. More than seven thousand American men and women took part in the study. Eighty percent of those questioned said they were concerned about skin cancer and believed it was important to protect themselves. At the same time, seventy-two percent believed people look better when their skin is tanned. And, about sixty percent mistakenly thought the sun was generally good for one’s health.

FAITH LAPIDUS: Another study involved more than four hundred college women who used tanning beds. The women were more likely to reduce their tanning for fear of looking older and developing wrinkled skin than fear of getting skin cancer. The women read information warning about skin cancer and the dangers of wrinkles. Later, the women recorded their tanning activity and feelings. Based on the results, researchers advised doctors and parents to warn young women about the risk of wrinkles as a more effective way to prevent tanning bed use.

DOUG JOHNSON: Another report suggests that driving a vehicle on its left side increases the risk of developing skin cancer on the left side of the body. Scott Fosko is chairman of dermatology at Saint Louis University Medical School. He recently led a study of nearly nine hundred skin cancer patients. He found that more than half had skin cancer on the left side of their face or body. The percentage of men with skin cancer on their left side was even higher.