American Cancer Society projects more than 100,000 new melanoma cases in 2026
A video of a girl sharing her “tanning secrets” and showing off a bikini tan line has accumulated more than 11 million views on social media platforms. Some commenters joked, “The earth probably won’t last long anyway, I’d rather go out tan than pale.”
Nichole Sims started using a tanning bed at 15 because she said everyone around her was doing it, especially before events like homecoming dances and prom. She was diagnosed with melanoma, a potentially life-threatening skin cancer, eight years later. She now tries to counter misinformation on social media that touts tanning as a mood booster and beauty requirement by sharing her own experience.
“I just feel like our generation doesn’t really look into a lot of risks. They just kind of live in the moment,” Sims said.
The American Cancer Society estimates more than 100,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026, and about 8,500 people are expected to die from melanoma. Experts are concerned about a resurgence in the popularity of tanning among young adults as social media has helped tanning in general make a comeback. Some influencers are encouraging the use of tanning beds, which experts said is worrisome.
“Being young in the world we live in now, being tan and pretty, it goes together,” Sims said.