I don't know if this goes in this thread or not, but I'm putting it here. Please move it if it needs to go elsewhere.

 

As many of you know on here, my wife has Nodular Melanoma. In late 2013, she had 1 surgery to biopsy her sentinal node in her left groin and get a skin graft after they removed the mole from her left heel. The Friday after surgery, we found out that the cancer had spread into her lymphatic system, as the sentinal node was positive. She had another surgery, a Lymphadectomy, done in December of 2013. They basically took out the whole left side of her groin and tested 15 lymph nodes. Luckily they came back negative. Since it was still in her system, she underwent a year of Interfuron treatment. She, obviously, is not alone.

 

Skin Cancer Facts - SkinCancer.org

Ladies and Gentleman, every year there are more cases of skin cancer than the incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon COMBINED.

 

Here is my fight.

Melanoma is the most common cancer for young adults 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29. 86% of melanomas (the most lethal form of skin cancer) are DIRECTLY linked to exposure to UV radiation.

 

So we have the facts laid out. UV exposure is dangerous. More people will develop skin cancer from UV exposure than will from lung cancer from cigarettes. A MAJOR source of UV exposure, and a much more intensive form, are tanning beds. Read the site, there are too many stats to repeat. Fact is, that tanning beds increase a teen's risk of cancer more than smoking ever will.....YET...we have banned all tobacco products for minors. You MUST be 18 years old to purchase tobacco because, "People are less likely to use tobacco if they do not start before the age of 18." More Cities Raise Tobacco Age to 21 - WSJ. Ultimately, not smoking will lead to a healthier adult life, all things equal. I don't need to put studies on here. They are all over the place.

 

No tobacco because we care about our kids and their future. If we don't let them start the nasty habit young, then they will never start it. Interestingly, we have statistics showing that a machine is directly leading to more cancer cases than cigarettes and dip will, yet when it came to outlawing their use by minors, our state Senat Health and Welfare Committee killed the Bill after it passed the House. AMAZINGLY, Jimmy Higdon, a State Senator from Lebanon, said, "I just can't get to the point where I ban juniors and seniors in high school from using a tanning bed. I THINK THAT THEY'RE OF AGE TO BE RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND CONSEQUENCES."

 

Now, I understand the difference between a Federal Statute and State law. I get that the state can decide whether to allow kids to increase their exposure to the risk of cancer or not is in the hands of our elected official when it comes to UV exposure.

 

What I don't understand is the thought process that says, "A 14 year-old is mature enough to understand the risks that that a tanning bed creates, and the consequences that come from a couple of trips to the bed." How many more facts do our esteemed representatives need to be presented with to see that tanning beds are dangerous, they pose too great of a risk to public welfare, and they need to be, at WORST, kept away from teens? THE FACTS ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM?

 

Senate committee kills bill to keep minors from using tanning beds

You're trying to associate politics with common sense. Definition of an oxymoron.

The real problem is that young people know the consequences, but they just don't care.

The real problem is that young people know the consequences, but they just don't care.

 

Exactly. That is why it needs to be legislated. It isn't as controversial as drug abuse, which smoking and drinking too much is, so people do not pay attention.

 

It infuriates me. A huge debate in this country is ObamaCare. All politicians agree that we need to lower health care costs. So...here you go. The cases of skin cancer are only increasing. The cost of care is only going to increase. Get rid of a machine that is playing a large part in that future increase.

Exactly. That is why it needs to be legislated. It isn't as controversial as drug abuse, which smoking and drinking too much is, so people do not pay attention.

 

It infuriates me. A huge debate in this country is ObamaCare. All politicians agree that we need to lower health care costs. So...here you go. The cases of skin cancer are only increasing. The cost of care is only going to increase. Get rid of a machine that is playing a large part in that future increase.

 

Good point. My initial thoughts are that young people will find a way around the law and do it anyways (like tobacco, just having others buy it for them), but with a tanning bed that's not as easy obviously. If there were legislation passed to create some sort of age minimum for tanning beds unfortunately I doubt it would be followed and it probably would not be monitored. Considering how many gas stations there are that sell to tobacco to minors, I'd think tanning beds would do the same thing.

 

So then it really comes down to the parents are the raising of their children to care about the consequences of harmful substances/practices. Sadly, there is no real way to fix that. At least not that I can think of.

Good point. My initial thoughts are that young people will find a way around the law and do it anyways (like tobacco, just having others buy it for them), but with a tanning bed that's not as easy obviously. If there were legislation passed to create some sort of age minimum for tanning beds unfortunately I doubt it would be followed and it probably would not be monitored. Considering how many gas stations there are that sell to tobacco to minors, I'd think tanning beds would do the same thing.

 

So then it really comes down to the parents are the raising of their children to care about the consequences of harmful substances/practices. Sadly, there is no real way to fix that. At least not that I can think of.

 

Couldn't we say that about almost every law as long as some sort of black market will exist? Legislation will prevent some teens from visiting a tanning bed. That right there is reason enough.

Couldn't we say that about almost every law as long as some sort of black market will exist? Legislation will prevent some teens from visiting a tanning bed. That right there is reason enough.

 

Fair enough. But politically I don't think the government has the right to tell me what I can and can't do with my body. (I promise I'm not just disagreeing with every response, I do think it's a good idea but it goes against my political principles so I'd be torn on whether to support it or not )

Fair enough. But politically I don't think the government has the right to tell me what I can and can't do with my body. (I promise I'm not just disagreeing with every response, I do think it's a good idea but it goes against my political principles so I'd be torn on whether to support it or not )

 

Fair enough, there are a couple of talking points here. A. You are an adult. If you can afford the treatment that the behavior is going to lead to, and nobody else can potentially be hurt by your actions, go for it. B. Point A is fantastic, but not many people can afford the treatments and surgeries and must rely on health insurance. As a result, and due to a compound of claims from all sorts of physical ills, my premiums rise and I have to pay more each month to cover my family.