Canadian Cancer Society takes on artificial tanning

Dear editor,

The Canadian Cancer Society is alarmed at the results of a recent survey that shows that young people in Ontario are deliberately exposing themselves to dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by using sun beds and other forms of artificial tanning.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ontario and is mostly preventable. The most important risk factor for developing skin cancer is exposure to UVR from sunshine and artificial tanning equipment.

Our survey showed that more than 50,000 Ontario youth are exposing themselves to dangerous levels of UVR through the use of artificial tanning equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in some cases artificial tanning equipment emits UVR up to five times as strong as the midday summer sun.

The use of artificial tanning equipment has been unequivocally associated with skin cancer and is particularly harmful for youth. Childhood exposure to UVR in addition to the number of times a child gets a sunburn are known to increase an individual's risk for developing skin cancer later in life. Melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer, is the second most common cancer in young

Ontarians aged 15-34 years.

During its second annual Cancer Prevention Week, April 23-29, 2007 the Society is raising awareness with Ontarians around the risks of ultraviolet radiation over-exposure and the need to regulate the artificial tanning industry to protect the health of youth. The Canadian Cancer Society supports the World Health Organization's recommendation that no person under the age of 18 should be allowed to use artificial tanning equipment and we would like to see legislation supporting this position in Ontario.

The Canadian Cancer Society is committed to providing information to the public about how to prevent and reduce the risk of cancer.

We will continue to work with governments and individuals to raise awareness about cancer prevention and ensure healthy public policies are put in place to improve public health.

Sincerely, Information Outreach Committee, Canadian Cancer Society, Barrie and District Unit