Sun beds: Paying good money to risk getting cancer?

(Image: Froztbyte, via Wikimed Commons)

"Overexposure to UV radiation before the age of 18 leads to an increased risk for skin cancer later in life. We therefore strongly believe that tanning beds need to be strictly regulated in South Africa and call on a total ban on the use of tanning beds by individuals younger than 18," says CANSA CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg. CANSA is currently on a drive to collect 50 000 signatures from across the country in order to present it to the Department of Health by February 2012 as part of World Cancer Day.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, includes tanning devices on its list of the most dangerous cancer-causing agents - a list that includes plutonium and cigarettes.

Tanning beds illegal

Nova Scotia recently became the first province in Canada to make tanning beds illegal for youth under 18 years old. Under the new Tanning Bed Act, tanning salon owners in violation can be fined up to US$10 000 and have their business closed for up to two years.

Businesses in the UK that allow under-18s to use sun beds will face fines of up to 20 000 under new rules. The Sun beds (Regulation) Act 2010 came into force after recent research showed more than two people under the age of 35 are diagnosed with the deadliest form of skin cancer every day in the UK.

Adds Van Rensburg "It is evident that the world is taking note of the deadly consequences of using tanning beds - it's time our government got on board."

"Our children are our future and our hope. We owe it to our youth to become more cancer smart. May adult cancers are linked to exposure to cancer-causing factors in the environment during childhood. CANSA strongly believes in investing in the future of our children by actively involving the youth in the fight against cancer. Help us to achieve this by signing the petition today and getting your family and friends involved." she concludes

Sign up today on www.cansa.org.za