AUGUSTA – The Health and Human Services Committee of the Maine legislature will hold a public hearing today on LD 889, "An Act to Reduce Youth Cancer Risk", which prohibits the use of indoor tanning beds by minors under the age of 18. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports the measure and is working with cancer survivors across Maine to urge for its’ passage. The following statement can be attributed to Hilary Schneider, Maine director of government relations for ACS CAN:
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network urges Maine’s lawmakers to take a major step in protecting our youth from the deadly effects of skin cancer by prohibiting minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 2 million cases being diagnosed annually. Avoiding exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer. This is especially true for kids, who’s skin is not fully developed and who are more susceptible to damage than that 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, Maine lawmakers have the opportunity to prevent future skin cancer diagnoses and save lives. It’s time for lawmakers to take a stand and protect our kids by supporting LD 889,” said Schneider.
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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