Today, the Missouri House General Laws Committee approved a bill to prohibit young people under age 18 from using indoor tanning devices. Emily Kalmer, Missouri government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, released the following statement in response:
“ACS CAN is grateful to our lawmakers for moving this legislation forward. With skin cancer rates continuing to rise, it’s crucial that Missouri puts policies in place that are proven to protect young people.
“Every year, more than 6,000 cases of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – can be directly tied to indoor tanning. Right now, Missouri allows teens under age 17 to tan with parental permission. However, we know that there are ways around this rule, and it’s not a reliable way to prevent our kids from facing a cancer diagnosis. The most effective law is one that prohibit anyone under age 18 from using indoor tanning devices.
“As skin cancer rates continue to rise, Missouri must be mindful of its public health policies. ACS CAN thanks State Representative Nick Schroer for introducing this bill, and we urge the full House to vote yes on keeping kids cancer-free.”
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.