Rep. Azarian & Barnes Receive Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Policy

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Rep. Gary Azarian and Rep. Arthur Barnes Receive Distinguished Advocacy Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Public Policy 

Award is an Honor Bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

SALEM – June 22, 2015 – Representative Gary Azarian and Representative Arthur Barnes were recently awarded the Distinguished Advocacy Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of their commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s youth from the dangers of indoor tanning.

The award is presented by ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, to select officials who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.

“Rep. Azarian and Barnes have championed the fight against youth indoor tanning, and helped ensure important legislation that protected minors from UV radiation was signed into law,” said Mike Rollo, New Hampshire government relations director, ACS CAN. “These actions have demonstrated his commitment to fighting cancer through public policy, and we look forward to continuing to work together to save lives in the Granite State. 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 2 million cases being diagnosed annually. In New Hampshire this year, an estimated 280 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, rates that are higher than the national average. Avoiding exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer. This is especially true for kids.

Young people under the age of 18 are at a particularly high risk for the damages associated with UV radiation and exposure, since their skin is not fully developed and their skin cells are dividing and changing more rapidly than those of adults. In fact, indoor tanning use before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 59 percent.

“The research is clear – tanning devices cause cancer. By championing this bill to protect our kids from the UV radiation emitted by these devices, Rep. Azarian and Rep. Barnes have done a great service in preventing future skin cancer diagnoses and saving lives,” said Rollo.

The award was presented to Azarian and Barnes at the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Salem, which united more than 46 teams and 330 supporters in the fight to end cancer on June 20 at Salem High School.    

ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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