The momentum continues! In January, California became the first state in the nation to ban youth under 18 from using tanning beds. In May, Vermont passed a similar lifesaving law. Just last week, Chicago became the first major U.S. city to vote to protect young people from skin cancer and melanoma by banning tanning bed use among minors. Chicago's tanning bed ban passed quickly and with overwhelming support. Spearheaded by Alderman Debra Silverstein, the ordinance was introduced in May and passed June 6. This would not have happened without the help and dedication of American Cancer Society volunteers and staff. An American Cancer Society Medical Ambassador, Dr. June Robinson, provided testimony at a hearing in late May and volunteers in the Chicago area made phone calls and sent emails to the city aldermen. We also continue to see progress in New Jersey, where a bill banning tanning beds for minors passed out of the state House a few weeks ago. At the invitation of the New Jersey Senate Health committee, the American Cancer Society's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Len Lichtenfeld will testify on the bill next week. While this momentum is building in the states, the federal government is showing concern for the issue too. The Senate version of legislation on industry user fees, or funds the industry pays to ensure that the FDA has the resources to conduct expedited reviews of new pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, would require the Secretary of HHS to determine whether warning labels for indoor tanning beds effectively inform consumers about the risks. This is an important step forward in giving the public better information about the risks associated with tanning beds. With federal, state and local attention, we're making progress in protecting our children from the dangers of tanning beds. We're also raising awareness among the public at large about the risks associated with tanning bed use. About 30 million Americans still use tanning beds, despite evidence showing people who use an indoor tanning device are about 75 percent more likely to develop melanoma. Through the power of advocacy, we're fighting back against cancer with prevention.
Even as Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, ACS CAN will keep working year-round, across the country and with both state and federal lawmakers, to advance the public policies we know will reduce the burden of breast cancer.