Harrisburg, Pa.—The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on the Pennsylvania Legislature to pass legislation that would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by youth under the age of 18.
Senate Bill 909, introduced yesterday evening by Sen. Pat Browne (R-16), protects Pennsylvania’s children from the deadly effects of skin cancer, and is supported by ACS CAN.
“We support laws and regulations that prohibit access to tanning devices for individuals under 18, with no exceptions,” said Emma Watson, Pennsylvania government relations director for ACS CAN. “This bill undoubtably achieves that.
“If passed, this bill will prevent Pennsylvania’s youth from using indoor tanning devices, protect kids from skin cancer and save lives.
This year in Pennsylvania alone, it’s estimated that 4,340 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
“The World Health Organization places indoor tanning devices in the highest cancer risk category—the same category as cigarettes and asbestos,” said Watson. “People don’t think twice when it comes to keeping children away from cigarettes, but we need people to adopt the same mindset when it comes to letting our state’s kids use indoor tanning devices.”
Skin cancer is currently the most common cancer nationwide with millions of cases being diagnosed annually. Using tanning devices increases teenagers’ exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and can cause long-term skin damage and skin cancer.
Anyone who uses tanning devices before age 35, increases their risk of being diagnosed with melanoma by 59%.
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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.