Young Melanoma Survivors will Speak to Teens in NH about Tanning Risks

Published Date

LACONIA — As part of a growing national effort to prevent melanoma in teens and young adults, students from throughout New Hampshire will be taking part in educational programs offered by the Melanoma Foundation of New England (MFNE) in collaboration with the New Hampshire Comprehensive Cancer Collaboration (NH CCC)
A 'Teens on Tanning' Forum will be held on Friday, Feb. 15 at Pitman's Freight Room, Laconia, from 3-7 p.m.
The Teens on Tanning Forums are designed to educate high school students about sun safety and the risks associated with tanning. At the forums, several young melanoma survivors will share their first-hand experiences about the effects of tanning. Participating teens will receive information and training to help them identify, plan and implement key initiatives at the community grassroots level to raise awareness about the dangers of tanning and adopt sun safe behaviors. Attendees will receive a community service certificate, healthy skin goody bag, T-shirt, pizza, and more.
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in teens and young adults age 15-29. The American Cancer Society estimated 470 new cases of melanoma would be diagnosed in New Hampshire in 2012, and the most likely causes include unhealthy tanning practices and exposure to the harmful UV rays of tanning beds. People who use a tanning bed just once a month before the age of 35 increase their risk of melanoma by 75 percent.
For more information about Teens on Tanning Forums visit www.NHCancerPlan.org. Register on-line or download and print the registration form.