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Cancer Advocates to Take Over State Capitol for Cancer Action Day
February 4, 2020
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Volunteers to Call on Legislators to Pass Indoor Tanning Regulations and Include E-cigarettes in the Smoke-Free Air Law
Lincoln, Neb., – February 4, 2020 – Cancer advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) from across the state are ready to take over to the Nebraska State Capitol on February 6, 2020 to call on the legislature to prioritize Nebraskan’s health and make fighting cancer a top priority. The annual Cancer Action Day brings together cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones and gives them a voice with lawmakers and an opportunity to push for policy change.
WHAT: Nebraska Cancer Action Day at the Capitol
WHERE: Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1525
1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68508
WHEN: Thursday, February 6, 2020 – 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MEDIA AVAIL: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in Room 1525 - Interview opportunities with cancer patients, survivors, their loved ones, and policy experts, including Nick Faustman, ACS CAN Nebraska government relations director, or call Jenna Sheldon at 952-412-8292 to schedule before, during or after the event.
This year, volunteers will urge lawmakers to pass LB 140, an act raising the age of indoor tanning devices to 18 and LB 840, including e-cigarettes in the statewide smoke-free air law.
Indoor Tanning:
Despite the many warnings about the dangers of indoor tanning, teenagers continue to use indoor tanning devices – increasing their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause long-term skin damage and skin cancer. When young people use tanning devices before age 35, they increase their risk of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – by 59%. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in young women 15-29 and Nebraska female high school seniors are the most frequent users of tanning devices. Senator Rick Kolowski introduced LB 140, which would increase the legal age to use indoor tanning devices to 18 in the state of Nebraska. ACS CAN strongly supports this legislation to help keep our teens safe from these extremely harmful carcinogens.
Smoke-Free Air Law:
Everyone has the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air and no one should have to choose between their health and paycheck. However, the current statewide smoke-free air law does not include e-cigarettes. We must protect workers and the public from harmful secondhand smoke exposure including e-cigarettes and to create communities that support tobacco-free living. The science is clear—there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Strong smoke-free laws are the only proven way to protect workers and patrons from secondhand smoke, while also helping people who currently smoke to quit and keeping youth from starting altogether. LB 840, which includes e-cigarettes in the smoke-free air law, has been introduced at the statehouse and volunteers will urge lawmakers to support this comprehensive legislation.
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