Tanning facts may convince young people to protect their skin

Researchers at East Tennessee State University developed a 24-page booklet of healthier tanning alternatives. They studied more than 400 students between the ages 17 and 21 who were indoor tanning users. Some were given the booklet that shows how ultraviolet light can negatively affect their skin's appearance.

Six months later, the group members who read the booklet were tanning 35 percent less often than they used to.

Doctors found that women under 35 who tan 20 times a year or more are at up to eight-fold greater risk of melanoma.

The study is published in the journal Cancer.