The B.C. government is changing regulations to restrict use of commercial tanning beds to people aged 18 and older, because of the skin cancer risk from prolonged use.
Health Minister Mike de Jong announced the change Tuesday, after a task force reviewed the medical research and recommended the change. The regulation will allow those under 18 to use a tanning bed if a doctor prescribes it.
The health ministry says using tanning beds before age 35 raises the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent. The B.C. Cancer Agency estimates that 966 B.C. residents will be diagnosed this year with melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, and 150 people will die from it.
"Getting a tan might be a popular option among many young people, but research has shown that it can result in potentially deadly skin cancers later in life," said Dr. Andy Coldman, a specialist at the BC Cancer Agency.
The provincial regulation follows a local restriction by the Capital Regional District.
The task force report is available online here.