Cancer CANdor Blog

Europeans have been using sunscreens with more-up-to-date protection than anything available in the U.S. market for nearly 15 years, and the media and public are starting to wonder why.

Megan Ramey began tanning in her teens because she wanted that "healthy glow" before vacations and prom. It was easy to tan because there was a salon at the end of her street.

Unfortunately, for most of you the answer to the question above is Š—“not well.Š— According to a new edition of the ACS CAN report How Do You Measure Up? released today, many state legislatures are missing opportunities to enact laws and policies that could not only generate new revenue and long-term health savings, but also save lives.

Today officially kicks off the summer season, as families and friends head to the beach for the long holiday weekend. As people start to spend more time outside, it's important to raise awareness about skin cancer and the dangers of tanning. That's why the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day as "Don't Fry Day."

ThatŠ—'s right Š—– a device that if used before the age of 35 increases oneŠ—'s likelihood of getting melanoma by 75 percent is classified in the same risk category as your everyday bandage. It goes without saying that this is ludicrous and must be changed.

A new edition of the ACS CAN report How Do You Measure Up? shows that the majority of states are not measuring up on legislative solutions to prevent and fight cancer. The report ranks where states stand on these issues that play a critical role in reducing cancer incidence and death. It measures seven specific issues.

The momentum continues! In January, California became the first state in the nation to ban youth under18 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.

As the days get warmer and the sun gets hotter it's more important than ever to raise awareness about skin cancer and the dangers of tanning. That's why the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day as "Don't Fry Day."

As a father, I know how attractive tanning beds can seem to youth who want tan skin all year round. My wife strongly discouraged my daughter while she was growing up from using tanning beds because she was concerned about her risk of getting skin cancer. ThatŠ—'s why I was fully supportive and very excited about a historic new law California enacted this month that bans the use of tanning beds for those under 18.