Prevention Priorities
Research suggests that nearly 90% of cutaneous melanomas are related to UV exposure. Therefore, most, but not all, melanomas are thought to be preventable. Just ONE blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma, and using tanning beds before age 30 increases your risk by a whopping 75%! Research also suggests, the more UV exposure you get throughout your life, the higher your risk of developing melanoma.
The MRF works on the federal and state levels to support policies prohibiting anyone under the age of 18 from using tanning devices, encourages the use of sunscreen in schools without the need for a doctors note or prescription, supports the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Skin Cancer Prevention Activities and more!
Ban the Tan
Sunlamp products, otherwise known as indoor tanning beds and booths, emit ultraviolent (UV) radiation that is a known human carcinogen. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency of Research on Cancer panel have declared ultraviolet radiation form the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps, to be a know carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).1
Evidence from several studies has shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Each year, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer, including melanoma, are linked to indoor tanning in the U.S. alone. Studies have found a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. Despite these significant risks, nearly 30 million people in the United States use indoor tanning devices each year.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), to date, more than 40 states restrict access to indoor tanning equipment either through banning their use by minors or requiring parental consent.
The MRF does not endorse the use of indoor tanning devices and the MRF supports advocacy efforts banning the use of sunbeds in minors under 18.
Stay up-to-date “Banning the Tan” and other policies impacting the melanoma community by becoming and MRF Advocate today!
BECOME AN ADVOCATE
Sunscreen in Schools
A majority of schools nationwide require a note or prescription from a physician for any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that a student may need throughout the school day. Unfortunately, as the FDA regulates sunscreen as an OTC drug, many students have been forced to either obtain a note from a physician or forego utilizing sunscreen completely while at school or school-related activities.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 57.2% of students in grades 9 through 12 reported sunburn in the past 12 months in 2017. As part of Healthy People 2030, the HHS 10-year plan to address the nation’s most critical public health priorities and challenges, reducing the proportion of students in grades 9 through 12 who report sunburn is an objective in the area of cancer.
As part of the SUNucate Coalition, the MRF supports the use of sunscreen in schools without a physicians note as part of early skin cancer prevention efforts.
To-date, 25 states and the District of Columbia have adopted SUNucate protections. Click here to see your state’s status. Don’t see your state listed? Let us know and the MRF can work with you and SUNucate to support legislation in your state.
Stay up-to-date on sunscreen in schools and other policies impacting the melanoma community by becoming and MRF Advocate today!
BECOME AN ADVOCATE