The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The American Cancer Society set ambitious goals for significantly reducing the rates of cancer incidence and mortality along with dramatically improving the quality of life for all people with cancer. In line with these goals, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the advocacy affiliate of ACS, advocates for public policies that will help reduce the risk of skin cancer associated with the use of indoor tanning devices.
ACS CAN Position Statement on Indoor Tanning Facilities
ACS CAN supports legislative and regulatory initiatives at all levels of government to protect the public from increased skin cancer risk associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by indoor tanning facilities. More specifically, based on a review of the best science currently available, ACS CAN supports initiatives that would prohibit minors’ use of indoor tanning facilities due to an increased risk for skin cancer, ensure tanning salons are properly regulated, ensure enforcement provisions are in place and make sure consumers are properly informed about the risk of using indoor tanning devices prior to use
Sign Our Petition
The dangers of tanning devices are so serious that the World Health Organization (WHO) has put these in the same catagory as tobacco and asbestos, marking them as "carcinogenic to humans". In fact, using a tanning device before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59 percent.
Share Your Story
We are looking for those who are willing to share their related story so that others can prevent skin cancer from exposure to UV radiation. For more information about how you can join our fight to prevent skin cancer through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and/or can share your story please contact [email protected].
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.