Dear Editor:
As a recent Health Science graduate from Simon Fraser University and a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, I am concerned about the risk of indoor tanning.
The World Health Organization classifies tanning beds as a known human carcinogen, so I cannot understand how youth are still permitted to expose their bodies to something known to cause cancer - especially when melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for 15-29 year olds.
Youth today still seek this harmful behaviour despite the wealth of information available regarding the dangers. There are several misconceptions that exist about the benefits of tanning and many youth feel social pressure to tan. Education alone is not enough, policy changes are required to restrict youth from this carcinogenic exposure.
The B.C. government is currently considering legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning for those under the age of 18. My hope is that the B.C. government shows a commitment to public health by passing this legislation. I urge British Columbians to put the health of youth first by writing the minister of health in support of this legislation.
Alicia Perry North Vancouver
