Second Largest Region in Ontario Bans Minors from IndoorTanning

Melanoma Network of Canada Succeeds with Peel Region on introducing a by-law to ban youth from tanning salons

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada was present today when the Region of Peel, which includes Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, became the first region and second location in Ontario to ban minors from using commercial tanning beds.

Annette Cyr, Chair and founder of the Melanoma Network of Canada intially approached Councillor Bonnie Crombie of the City of Missisauga in May to request a by-law to promote and protect minors under the age of 18 years from the use of ultraviolet (UV) emitting devices at indoor tanning facilities.  "We feel strongly that all governments have a duty to take action to protect youth from harmful UV rays," said Cyr. "The public needs to be aware of the risks posed for everyone, but most particularly our youth.  I commend Peel Region, and Councillor Crombie in particular, for taking a stand and moving forward with this by-law without delay."

The Region of Peel's by-law contains significant fines, including $10,000 for the first offence and $25,000 fines for subsequent offences. Enforcement will be done through municipal enforcement officers, or public health inspectors acting under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health.

"I am delighted that Peel Region has unanimously moved this important legislation to protect our youth from the serious effects of exposure to UV rates in tanning beds." says Mississauga Councillor Bonnie Crombie.  "The science is compelling and Council knew that if we delayed any longer, we would risk exposing more of our youth to dangerous ultraviolet rays. Today's decision is a significant step in the fight against skin cancer."

On September 14^th, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced plans to adopt NDP Health Critic, France Gélinas' Private Member's bill which aims to ban youth under 18 from using indoor tanning equipment throughout the Province of Ontario.  On August 13^th, the Town of Oakville at the request of the Melanoma Network became the first municipality in Ontario to ban teens from indoor tanning.

Research by the World Health Organization, among many other health bodies, indicates that the use of tanning beds poses significant health risks, particularly in children and youth, increasing the tisk of developing melanoma or other skin cancers by up to 75 percent. Health Canada warns that indoor tanning beds generate about five times the amount of UVA radiation produced by the sun and are not a safe means of producing vitamin D, despite myths to the contrary.

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 5,800 people in 2012 and causing 970 deaths.

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.

¹ Melanoma Network of Canada. Facts Summary. Available at: http://melanomanetwork.ca/page.php?page=14. Accessed August 8, 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 August 8, 2012.

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.

SOURCE: Melanoma Network of Canada