Great news last week out of Massachusetts where Governor Charlie Baker and the state legislature enacted new legislation to prevent youth under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices. ACS CAN staff and volunteers have been working hard to protect Massachusetts teens from the harms of indoor tanning and we're hoping that this early legislative win in 2016 sets the tone for other states to do the same.
We're anxiously waiting for the New Hampshire governor to sign a bill that will save lives by reducing skin cancer incidence and mortality rates in her state.
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 not well. 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."
That's right a device that if used before the age of 35 increases one'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.
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."