The Canadian Cancer Society is riding a wave of public support to help pressure the government to ban tanning for youth under the age of 18 in the province.

"Our position is that voluntary guidelines are not enough," said Patti Moore, health promotion co-ordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society Southern Interior Region.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, over exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been proven as one of the major causes of skin cancers. The society also says that melanoma risk increases 75 per cent in users of indoor tanning equipment, and that UVR emissions can be as much as five times higher than the intensity of the mid-day sun.

Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer for those aged 15 to 29. Moore said there have been cases of this deadly cancer within the Southeast Interior region. In B.C. in 2011, 480 men and 370 women were diagnosed with new cases of skin cancer.

There have been many politicians seeking a ban on youth tanning. In June, B.C. Health Minister Mike de Jong stated that he would speak with the Union of Municipalities to see if there was support for a province-wide ban.

In September at the Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting - attended by former Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak, - voted in favour of banning the use of tanning equipment for youth under 18 in the province. That vote is echoed by a recent poll conducted by the Canadian Cancer Society that says 75 per cent of British Columbians support a proposed ban.

"We would definitely like to call on the B.C. government to take the next step," Moore said.

In August of 2009 the World Health Organization upgraded tanning beds from a probable carcinogen, to a known carcinogen.

"That was very significant when the WHO made that reclassification," Moore said.

Despite education campaigns in Cranbrook like the Tanning is Out high school initiative, local teens are still opting to tan using tanning beds

"There are youth tanning despite the risks," Moore said.

But it isn't all bad, she adds. The Tanning is Out program, which was delivered to teens in the spring of 2011 heading towards graduation to encourage them not to tan for prom, noted that many students were opting to go without.

"It was really interesting," Moore said. "That was really positive, to see there is a change around this."

One group not applauding the ban on youth tanners, is salon owners across the province. Moore said there has been some opposition to the proposed legislation.

Moore believes it is time for the provincial government to step in and make tanning bed users more aware of the risks they face every time they expose themselves to UVR rays.

"They should be labelled in such a way - for all ages - about the health risks," Moore said.

Youth tanning has been banned in the Victoria area and Nova Scotia, as well as France, Scotland, England, Brazil, Australia and the states of Maryland and California.

Moore said they hope to expand the Tanning is Out campaign this year, after engaging high school students in 2011.

To help prevent skin cancers, Moore suggests knowing your body, and checking moles for any changes including size, shape, border, colour or growth. Should there be what Moore calls an "evolution" in a mole, contact your physician.