The Manitoba government is bringing forward new measures that would protect children from developing skin cancer by introducing proposed legislation that would ban the use of commercial ultraviolet (UV) tanning equipment by minors. This announcement was made by Healthy Living Minister Deanne Crothers.
“Exposure to artificial UV light is known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer,” said Minister Crothers. “No child should ever be put at risk for the sake of a tan.”
In 2012, rules requiring minors to obtain parental consent to use commercial UV tanning equipment came into effect. With increasing evidence suggesting that a ban is more effective than consent-based legislation, the Manitoba government is now taking further steps to protect the health and safety of children in this province, Minister Crothers said.
Proposed legislation introduced today would amend the Public Health Act to ban the use of commercial UV tanning equipment by minors. The proposed legislation would also prohibit advertising and marketing aimed at children and would require operators of commercial tanning facilities to provide protective eyewear for all customers.
Minister Crothers said the Manitoba government is also committed to working with partners like the Canadian Cancer Society to expand strategies and initiatives to promote sun safety including increasing public awareness and education, as well as the promotion of shade in outdoor recreational areas.
“Preventing cancer is an important part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s mission and this is the kind of protection for children that the Cancer Society wants,” said Erin Crawford, senior director, public issues and community engagement, Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba division. “Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer and we hope that with a ban, Manitoba children would have less exposure to harmful UV rays and we will prevent cases of skin cancer down the road.”
Between 50 and 90 per cent of skin cancers are caused by sun/UV exposure, which means that more than half of skin cancers can be prevented. It is estimated that one in seven Canadians will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common type of cancer in the country. Studies have shown that use of artificial tanning equipment before the age of 35 is associated with a 75 per cent increase in the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
“As future pediatricians, we welcome any legislation that would help protect children from harm and ensure better health,” said Dr. Megan Cooney, representing the Manitoba pediatric residents currently completing their final year of residency. “We are extremely pleased with the Manitoba government’s decision to introduce proposed legislation that would impose a ban on the use of commercial tanning equipment by minors. This is the type of effort that saves lives.”
