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SOURCE Melanoma Network of Canada
TORONTO, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) is pleased by the introduction
today of a bill by the Ontario government that will ban teens under age
18 from using indoor tanning equipment.
"Today's announcement is very welcome news," said MNC Chair, Annette
Cyr. "By introducing this bill the Ontario government is signalling
that it is committed to the fight against skin cancer, and Melanoma in
particular, and understands the serious risks posed by artificial
tanning equipment. We have been pushing hard for this legislation and
we're very pleased that the Ontario government is taking action."
Ontario follows the lead of many other provinces, including British
Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Moreover, today's
legislation builds upon the recent by-laws passed in Oakville,
Mississauga and in Peel Region that banned teens from tanning. Ontario
now joins many other countries with similar legislation, including
France, Germany and Australia, as well as the majority of American
states that have already enacted similar laws.
"It is our hope that the remaining provinces and territories will follow
Ontario's lead and that a nation-wide ban on teen tanning will be in
place soon," said Cyr. "We know that even limited exposure to tanning
equipment in youth can greatly increase the risk of developing melanoma
or other forms of skin cancer later in life, in some cases by up to 75
per cent. It is imperative that we take action now and I call on all
parties to pass this bill as soon as possible."
About Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide, and can affect
anyone regardless of sex, age or race. 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, more rapidly among men than any other cancer,
and more rapidly among women than any other cancer except lung cancer.
About the Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC)
Melanoma Network of 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.
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