Fothergill Receives Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Public Policy

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Rep. Fothergill Receives Freshman Legislator Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Public Policy 

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

LANCASTER – June 23, 2015 – State Representative John Fothergill was awarded the Freshman Legislator Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of his 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.

“As a Freshman State Representative assigned to the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee, Representative Fothergill wasted no time in getting to work to protect the health of Granite Staters by supporting a bill that would protect minors from the dangers of indoor tanning,” said Mike Rollo, director of Government Relations for ACS CAN in New Hampshire.

“He used his experience as a medical doctor to help the committee reach a unanimous positive recommendation to send to the House floor. But even after the bill passed the House, Rep. Fothergill remained dedicated to the bill. He courageously reached out to State Senators to ensure that the bill would make it to the Governor’s desk – and thanks in part to his efforts, this bill has become law.”

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. Fothergill has done a great service in preventing future skin cancer diagnoses and saving lives,” said Rollo.

The award was presented to Rep. Fothergill at the annual American Cancer Society Relay of North County which united supporters in the fight to end cancer on June 20 at the Lancaster Fairgrounds.    

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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