The Melanoma Network of Canada Urges Ontario Government to Support Skin Cancer Prevention Act

~ Swift action is needed to prevent the deadliest form of skin cancer ~

TORONTO, April 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) calls on all Ontario MPPs to support the Skin Cancer Prevention Act, 2012, just re-introduced by France Gélinas, MPP, Nickel Belt, in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

If passed, the Skin Cancer Prevention Act would institute a ban on indoor tanning for anyone under the age of 18. It would also apply strict regulations on marketing and promotional efforts aimed at young people, and include stronger warnings and training practices for those who work at indoor tanning salons.

"Ninety per cent of melanoma cases are a direct result of exposure to UV light, and tanning beds are an increasingly common source of this light," said Annette Cyr, Chair of the Melanoma Network of Canada. "Last year, Ontario had more new cases of melanoma than any other province. Greater measures are necessary in Ontario to ensure that our youth are protected from this deadly disease."

The Skin Cancer Prevention Act was originally introduced in 2010. Since then, Nova Scotia introduced legislation to restrict the use of indoor tanning to those over the age of 18. Just last month, British Columbia introduced a bill to do the same.

"We encourage MPPs across the province, regardless of political affiliation, to lend their support to this important piece of legislation," said Cyr. "While we have seen some exciting advances in treatments for melanoma in recent months, prevention remains of paramount importance and we urge all MPPs to take action to protect Ontario's youth."

For information on melanoma or to get involved, please visit us at www.melanomanetwork.ca.

About Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide, and can affect anyone regardless of sex, age or race.¹ It is one of the most frequently-diagnosed cancers in Canada, affecting 5,500 people in 2011 and causing 950 deaths.²

The incidence of melanoma has been increasing for the past 30 years,² more rapidly among men than any other cancer, and more rapidly among women than any other cancer except lung cancer.³

About the Melanoma Network Canada (MNC)
Melanoma Network Canada (MNC) is a patient-led organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of melanoma. Established in 2009 by a small group of patients and caregivers, the MNC works in collaboration with medical professionals, health care agencies and other stakeholders to educate, advocate and fund for early diagnosis and effective treatment of melanoma, education, prevention and awareness programs, relevant and innovative research, support for patients and an improved quality of life for those living with melanoma.

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¹ Melanoma Network of Canada. Facts Summary. Available at: http://melanomanetwork.ca/page.php?page=14. Accessed January 19, 2012.

² Public Health Agency of Canada. Melanoma Skin Cancer Facts and Figures. Available at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/melanoma_skin_cancer_figures-cancer_peau_melanome_figures-eng.php. Accessed January 17, 2011.

³ Horn-Ross, P.L., Holly, E.A., Brown, S.R., et al. Temporal trends in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma among Caucasians in the San Francisco-Oakland MSA. Canc Causes Contr.1991; 2(5):299-305.

Annette Cyr, Chair
Melanoma Network of Canada
289-242-2010
[email protected]