Skin cancer, including melanoma its deadliest form, is the most preventable cancer in the country!
Think about that. We can prevent skin cancer.
Leaders in public health, dermatology, and oncology have worked for decades, as has IMPACT Melanoma, to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
FACT:
Melanoma is the second highest cancer among 15-29-year-olds.
FACT:
The World Health Organization has determined that UV rays from tanning beds are human carcinogens that cause cancer.
Leading doctors have described indoor tanning as addictive.
Disappointed but Still Determined
This is why we, at IMPACT Melanoma, were disappointed to read that on March 16, 2026, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly withdrew a proposed FDA rule that would have banned minors from using indoor tanning lights and would have required indoor tanning facility users to sign a form acknowledging the risk of cancer, early skin aging, and other health effects. Read the article.
This federal rule would have been a significant milestone in the United States to save more lives, especially young lives who frequent indoor tanning facilities.
“When I was young, I visited tanning salons more than once. I didn’t know any better, and it’s one of my biggest regrets. Now, as the mother of a teenager and a board-certified dermatologist, helping to prevent younger generations from making that same mistake is deeply important to me. Given what we now know about UV exposure, many experts including myself believe indoor tanning should face stricter restrictions- especially for minors.”
Whitney Bowe, MD, F.A.A.D.
Hunter Shain, an associate professor of dermatology at UC San Francisco was quoted in the article explaining that the UVA radiation in a tanning bed is ~15 times that found anywhere on the surface of the planet. “They’re really blasting you with these super physiological doses of UV radiation that you couldn’t even find in a natural environment,” Shain said.
At IMPACT Melanoma, we will continue our efforts to attract more Partners in Prevention including leading dermatologists across the country, researchers, and public health officials to raise awareness and promote adopting sun safe habits including avoiding tanning beds. In parallel, we will also work at the grass roots level partnering with communities, cancer coalitions, and parks and recreation to offer access to free sunscreen and portable shade to reduce the risk of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
We know tanning beds are dangerous. The facts are clear. While we cannot rely on Federal regulations, we will continue to help states offer common sense laws to protect Americans, including young Americans who associate being tan with being attractive. Nineteen states – including California – and the District of Columbia have already banned people under 18 from indoor tanning salons.
Read Leah’s story. A member of an indoor tanning facility.
We encourage influencers to help teenagers and young adults understand the real risk of indoor tanning given the UV exposure. Promote alternatives such as tanning creams instead of tanning beds.
Learn more about the Dangers of Tanning Beds.
This is a matter of life and death. We need big voices to raise awareness that people die from skin cancer. We need more teenagers to understand it is not just a ‘cut it out cancer’ and you go on with your life.
While disappointed in the FDA rule being pulled, we remain focused on our mission. We are always seeking Partners in Prevention to help us raise awareness, promote early detection, and encourage adopting sun safe behaviors to save lives.
Together let’s save lives across America.
Stay tuned for more information about the award-winning film, Conquering Skin Cancer USA, as we are proud to be a content contributor and sponsor! We are determined!
Interested in becoming a Partner in Prevention? Learn more here.
