Newswise — Louisiana has sent a strong message to young people that indoor tanning can be dangerous to their health by passing a law that bans minors under the age of 18 years old from using indoor tanning devices. Louisiana is the ninth state that has instituted a ban on indoor tanning for minors under 18.
“Melanoma incidence rates have been increasing for the last 30 years, and the American Academy of Dermatology Association is pleased to see that another state has recognized the risks associated with using these dangerous devices,” said board-certified dermatologist Brett M. Coldiron, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). “The AADA applauds Louisiana for taking this significant step in protecting its youth from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Prevention is the key to reducing this alarming trend in melanoma incidence rates, and we need to continue to educate the public about the risks of indoor tanning and encourage healthy decisions to help prevent skin cancer.”
Legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds by minors under 18 passed the Louisiana legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The law will go into effect on Aug. 1.
Support for the ban was provided by the AADA, AIM at Melanoma, the American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, the Dermatology Interest Group, Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians, Louisiana Dermatological Society, Louisiana State Medical Society, Louisiana State University Medical School, and the Ochsner Health System.
More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than 2 million people are diagnosed annually. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and more than 750 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in Louisiana in 2014.
The Academy’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ public education initiative is committed to increasing the public’s understanding of skin cancer and motivating people to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer. Visit the SPOT Skin Cancer™ website — www.SpotSkinCancer.org — to learn how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes on your skin, and find free skin cancer screenings in your area. You can also download free materials to educate others in your community, and those affected by skin cancer can share their story via the website.
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Victoria Houghton (202) 712-2609 [email protected]
American Academy of Dermatology AssociationThe American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).
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