Annual Report 2013 : track the journey, lower the risk
Tanning bed ban for minors is a major step
By shining a light on critical clinical and research implications, collaborators from the Melanoma Moon Shot, the Cancer Prevention and Control platform and outside advocates attacked a deadly disease on an unexpected front: state health policy.
MD Anderson joined advocacy organizations from across the state to educate legislators about the dangers of tanning beds, and, on Sept. 1, 2013, a new Texas law took effect prohibiting anyone under the age of 18 from using them.
Infographic: Michael Clarke
Melanoma survivor who told her story to the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee
In addition to MD Anderson, supporters of the Texas tanning bed legislation included:
- Texas Dermatological Society
- American Cancer Society
- Texas Medical Association
- Texas Academy of Family Physicians
- Texas Pediatric Society
- Texas Hospital Association
- Texas Association of Health Plans
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
“When I was 16 years old growing up in West Texas, it was a big deal to be tan for prom and other big events. I thought a tan was a symbol of beauty, and I wanted to look like my friends. Now, after two surgeries for two melanomas, three children and many years of thinking back on my tanning bed experience, beauty is not found in the color of your skin. It’s about living a long life well.”
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