Press Room / News Release Archive
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2005
Dermatology Nurses' Association Supports Urgent Call by World Health Organization to Restrict Use of Tanning Beds
PITMAN, NJ – The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) announced today its strong support of the recent World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to ban sun bed use worldwide for those under age 18.
Citing spiking statistics in the global rate of skin cancer, the WHO released an announcement March 17, 2005 calling for countries to “formulate and reinforce laws in order to better control the use of sun beds.” Some tanning beds have the capacity to emit levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) many times more potent than the mid-day summer sun in most countries, according to the statement, and recent studies have demonstrated the direct link between the use of the tanning beds and rising skin cancer rates.
“The statistics are extremely frightening and unfortunately, these are the cases dermatology nurses are seeing every day,” said DNA President, Cathy Boeck, RN, CCRC, DNC. “The tanning trends are fueling tremendous damage and suffering, making it even more important for organizations like the WHO to shift into high gear and press for immediate action.”
While the WHO statement calls for restricted sun bed use for minors, DNA supports even more stringent limitations. According to DNA’s official position statement on indoor tanning (www.dnanurse.org, “Resources”), the association’s recommendations include:
- • A sweeping FDA ban of all non-medical uses for artificial UVR, including the cosmetic use of indoor tanning beds.
- • Prohibiting use of tanning beds by minors under age 18.
- • Extensive public health education on the known carcinogenic effects and other associated health risks of artificial UVR and indoor tanning.
- • Prohibiting public messages or advertisements promoting the “safety” of indoor tanning.
As far as legislation is concerned, DNA also supports measures to restrict minors’ use of tanning beds, Boeck said. In the United States, 22 states currently have laws in place that restrict use of tanning salons by those under 18, with similar legislation pending in several other states.
Worldwide, there are approximately 132,000 cases of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous skin cancer) annually, according to the WHO, and an estimated 66,000 deaths from that disease and other skin cancers. In the last 45 years, the skin cancer rate has tripled in some countries; in the United States, it has doubled since the 1970s. The highest rates are found in countries where people are fair skinned and have embraced the tanning culture: Australia, New Zealand, North America, and northern Europe. The WHO also states that one in three cancers worldwide is skin-related, and in the United States, that figure is one in two. In America, there are an estimated 1.1 million annual cases of skin cancer.
Members of the media: For more information about DNA, visit www.dnanurse.org. If you would like to interview DNA President Cathy Boeck, contact Janet D’Alesandro at 856-256-2422; janetd@ajj.com.
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The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is a professional nursing organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise.
DNA’s core purpose is to promote excellence in dermatologic care.
Did you know . . . May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?