The Melanoma Network Supports Alberta's Ban on Teen Tanning
OAKVILLE, ON, March 25, 2015 /CNW/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is pleased that Health Minister Stephen Mandel has committed to the passage of Bill 22, which will prohibit minors under age 18 from using indoor tanning equipment in Alberta. MNC applauds the Alberta Government's commitment to implementing this critically important legislation and is confident that this legislation will save lives and help to reduce the increasing numbers of youth developing skin cancers and melanoma.
"The action taken by Minister Mandel is an important step in the prevention of melanoma and skin cancer," said MNC Chair, Annette Cyr. "In Canada, melanoma is one the most frequently occuring cancers, affecting 6500 people in 2014 and causing over 1100 deaths. In many cases it is highly preventable.The majority of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultra violet (UV) radiation which include radiation from tanning beds. Bill 22 will reduce rates of melanoma, while saving lives and and scarce resources for our health care system."
By taking action to ban teens from tanning, Alberta joins the majority of provinces hat have already enacted similar restrictions on minors using indoor tanning beds. Cyr said, "While this is a much needed step in prevention of cancer for our vulnerable youth, the message here should be that no age group is safe from the radiation of tanning beds. Tanning is skin damage, pure and simple. There is no such thing as a safe level of tanning."
Manitoba and Saskatchewan remain the only provinces without a ban on youth access to tanning beds. MNC spearheaded the campaign to ban tanning for minors in Ontario and has played an active role in pursuing legislation to ban tanning bed access for youth and to create sun safety awareness in each province.
About the Melanoma Network Canada (MNC)
Melanoma Network Canada (MNC) is a national charitable organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of melanoma. Established in 2009, the MNC works to support early diagnosis and effective treatment of melanoma and skin cancers through education, prevention and awareness programs, innovative research, support for patients and an improved quality of life for those living with melanoma. For information on melanoma or to get involved, please visit us at www.melanomanetwork.ca.
SOURCE Melanoma Network of Canada
![](http://rt.newswire.ca/rt.gif?NewsItemId=C4844&Transmission_Id=201503250600CANADANWCANADAPR_C4844&DateId=20150325)
Carol Anne Ruscica, Excecutive Director, Melanoma Network of Canada, 905.901.5121 ext. 105, [email protected]
Share this article