Watch above: Alberta could become the latest province to ban youth from tanning in salon beds following the introduction of legislation this week. Aaron Streck tells us the Canadian Cancer Society hopes this province follows suit.
SASKATOON – Skin cancer continues to be the most common cancer in Saskatchewan and the most preventable. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year in the province.
“We know that education alone is not working in Saskatchewan and to keep kids from indoor tanning, despite the health warnings, despite the fact they know it’s dangerous they continue to tan,” said Donna Pasiechnik, with the Canadian Cancer Society.
“In most cases their parents are taking them to their tanning sessions and paying for their tanning sessions.”
In a move to help protect young people from getting skin cancer, Alberta is the latest province to introduce legislation to ban anyone under 18 from using tanning beds. If passed, Saskatchewan would be the only province in Canada without youth restrictions.
READ MORE: Alberta to ban people under 18 from tanning beds
“We’re hoping that now that Alberta has moved in this direction and will ban youth from indoor tanning that our government will do the same,” said Pasiechnik.
Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan says there have been similar discussions here but there is no piece of legislation ready to go.
“The perception is that it’s fairly cut and dry in terms of what the government could do on this issue but I think there’s a lot of different options and we see that across the country,” said Duncan.
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Not waiting for the province to make a move, some businesses have taken it upon themselves to prevent minors from using tanning beds.
“We don’t allow minors into the gym without a parental signature but for tanning its completely different we don’t allow anybody to tan under 18,” said Kendra Rodgers, with Mawson Fitness in Saskatoon.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan rejects youth tanning bed ban again
Ultraviolet rays from indoor tanning beds are the main risk for skin cancer including melanoma, the deadliest form.
“We always make sure if someone comes and asks us that it’s within their contract, if it’s not we always get them to sign a waiver first, make sure they are above age,” said Rodgers.
“As well we do go through the procedures like you are aware of the risks when it comes to tanning.”
While businesses like Mawson Fitness put their own restrictions in place, until the province moves on legislation the cancer society encourages others to do the same.
Alberta is expected to pass the tanning bill this spring.
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