- Target:
- The Surgeon General of the United States
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- www.missmelanoma.com
There are startling statistics for a cancer that can, many times, be prevented. The number of young people diagnosed with this cancer is astounding.
Although the public lacks information about this disease, it is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and Worldwide, and is the most common cancer in young adults between 20-30 years old [3]. Additionally, it is the leading cause of cancer death in women between 25-30 years old and the second highest cause of cancer death in women between 30-35 years old [3].
Melanoma is an epidemic and the rate of occurrence is rising faster than any other cancer. Currently it affects 1 in 75, and by 2010 it is estimated that 1 in 50 will be diagnosed [1].
"Long-term exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet rays like tanning beds (or to the sun's natural rays) increases both men and women's risk of developing skin cancer. In addition, exposure to tanning salon rays increases damage caused by sunlight because ultraviolet light actually thins the skin, making it less able to heal. Women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer [2]."
[1] http://www.melanomaintl.org/minfo_facts.asp)
[2] http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/tip-sheet-tanning-booths
[3] http://www.melanoma.org/upload/mrf_facts.pdf
We, the undersigned, call upon the Surgeon General of the United States to issue warning labels regarding the use and dangers of tanning beds, including statistics that people using tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, an aggressive and deadly form of cancer.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Surgeon General's Warning on all Tanning Beds petition to The Surgeon General of the United States was written by Lori Lee and is in the category Health at GoPetition.