ACS CAN Applauds "Yes" Vote on Legislation Protecting Minors from Tanning Devices

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American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

ACS CAN Applauds “Yes” Vote on Legislation Protecting Minors from Indoor Tanning Devices

CONCORD – April 30, 2015 – The New Hampshire Senate today approved House Bill 136, which prohibits the use of indoor tanning beds by minors under the age of 18. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supported the measure and worked with lawmakers to advocate for the bill’s passage.

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is extremely pleased that the Senate has taken a major step in protecting New Hampshire youth from the deadly effects of skin cancer by voting in support of this indoor tanning bill,” said Mike Rollo, New Hampshire director of government relations for ACS CAN.

“We applaud members of the New Hampshire Senate for supporting this legislation and thank Representatives Azarian and Barnes for their leadership on this important issue. We encourage Governor Hassan to act with equal expediency and sign into law this lifesaving piece of legislation.”

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 supporting this bill to protect our kids from the UV radiation emitted by these devices, New Hampshire lawmakers are working to prevent future skin cancer diagnoses and save lives,” said Rollo.

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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