Still Fabulous?

Tanning beds now rank alongside cigarettes and asbestos as a top-level cancer threat, the World Health Organisation's cancer research agency announced Wednesday.

Classified in 1992 and a "probable" cancer agent, research since then has left no doubt that soaking up UV rays at tanning salons significantly enhances the chances of developing the disease, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found.

"The use of sunbeds is carcinogenic to humans. It causes melanoma of the skin, and melanoma of the eye," said Vincent Cogliano, an IARC researcher who led the new assessment.

"I cannot see any reason why a healthy person should use them," he told AFP by phone.

The risk of melanoma -- the most lethal form of skin cancer -- increases by 75 percent when use of tanning devices starts before the age of 30, according to the findings, published in the British medical journal The Lancet Oncology.

The link between artificial tanning devices and cancer is not new. The WHO and national health agencies have long cautioned against using sunbeds, much as they have warned about the ill effects of overexposure to the sun.

But threshold of scientific proof is high, and required additional research on animals as well as epidemiological studies of cancer rates among humans before sunbeds could be labeled -- along with tobacco, asbestos and alcohol -- as a carcinogen.

Cogliano said it is not the IARC's role to issue recommendations, but that he hoped the new evaluation would focus attention on the issue.

"We are not a regulatory agency. We publish the scientific results so that the public health agencies can take action as they see fit."

Physicians hailed the decision, and called for tighter regulations for the multi-billion dollar tanning industry.

"We welcome the recognition that sunbeds are carcinogenic," said Nina Goad, spokeswoman for the British Association of Dermatologists.

"It is high time that steps were taken to regulate the industry, to prevent children using sunbeds, and to ensure that sunbeds are subject to health warnings like other known carcinogens."

"We have been trying for a long time to call the attention of the government to the potential risks," said George Reuter, head of France's National Union of Dermatologists.

The tubes emitting UV rays vary in intensity and can "become more dangerous over time," highlighting the need for stricter oversight, he told AFP.

Both associations stopped short of calling for an outright ban.

"The solution is to inform the public, not to outlaw sunbeds," said Reuter, adding that many dermatologists in France tell their patients not to exceed 10 sessions in year.

Those who use the devices to stay tanned year round are especially at risk, he added.

"People have the right to make their own health choices. Other known carcinogens are not banned, so I don't think you want to set a precedent with sunbeds," Goad said by phone.

Sunbeds are more common in northern Europe and the United States than most other regions. According to a survey conducted last year, some 14 million Germans aged 18 to 45 use them, with a quarter starting before the age of 17.

Earlier studies indicate that nearly a quarter of the adult population in many European countries -- including France, Belgium, Germany and Sweden -- have used sunbeds, which emit a higher concentration of UV rays than sunlight.

The sunbed association, and industry lobby group based in Britain, disputed the IARC's reclassification of tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans.

"The relationship between UV exposure and an increased risk of developing skin cancer is only likely to arise where over-exposure -- i.e. burning -- has taken place," it said in a statement.

Fawcett turned off.

She who helped built the careers of today's Charlie's Angels, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore, iconic for her sunshine sex appeal and lustrous blond hair, has passed on.


Farrah Fawcett has died of cancer aged 62.

The 'Charlie's Angels' actress passed away in a Santa Monica hospital today (25.06.09) with her family by her side.

The US star had fought a long and courageous battle against anal cancer but was rushed from her home to intensive care last night and read her last rites this morning.

Her fiance, Ryan O'Neal, and best friend, actress Alana Stewart were said to be with her during her final hours.

Long-term partner Ryan, 68, had been planning to wed Farrah as soon as possible.

In an interview earlier this week He said: 'I've asked her to marry me, again, and she's agreed.

'Farrah is fighting for her life. But we will wed as soon as she can, say yes. Maybe we can just nod her head.

'I promise you, we will. Absolutely.'

Farrah is also survived by 24-year-old Redmond, her son with Ryan. Redmond is currently in jail on a drug rehab programme and was not present at her bedside, according to reports.

She was also married to 'The Six Million Dollar Man' actor Lee Majors from 1973 to 1982.

Farrah was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Although doctors believed it had been successfully treated, the illness returned in May 2007 and had recently spread to her liver.

Her battle with illness was chronicled in the television documentary 'Farrah's Story' earlier this year which received nearly nine million viewers.

In the documentary she said:

'I know that everyone will die eventually, but I do not want to die of this disease. I want to stay alive.'

Q

Think Pink

The Pink Ribbon.

It has come to be a symbol of Hope and support for Breast cancer victims and survivors .

Actually, with cancer quickly becoming the #1 killer world wide, we need the support and spirit from all.

For ALL TYPES OF CANCER.

Because we're only here talking about it and could still someday succumb to it.

Let's all support the cure that someday...could be ours.

I know what I;m sayin, I lost one of my dearest to Cancer just months back.

Q


...Ring your local Oraganization to make a Donation now.

All Swell is not Well

I'm missing my good ole Foxxxy...(below; happier times)
Foxxxy's head may be big. BUT NOT THIS BIG !!!!

The swelling has made her head nearly twice its original size.

IT'S HUGE!!!! :(

Lymphoma , the Vet says.

Cancer , for everybody else.

"Lymphoma is the most common malignant cancer treated in veterinary oncology. In dogs, the most common presentation for lymphoma is multiple non-painful enlargements of peripheral lymph nodes. It is most common that dogs with lymphoma present without any clinical signs of illness in spite of these enlarged lymph nodes. In most cases lymphoma is thought of as a disseminated disease, where the malignant lymphocytes exist in many tissues through the body."

(It can be remission ed; really??????)

I'm devastated.

Q

2cond that or I won't

My Foxxy has Cancer.

So says the vet.

But that quick? That sudden?

Seeking a second opinion or I'm no Believer.

Deeply affected. :(:::

Q