NY considers ban on indoor tanning for minors

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York is moving toward banning indoor tanning for anyone under 18 years old, pushed by advocates who blame booths for a dramatic rise in skin cancer among teenagers.

The bill backed by powerful sponsors in the Assembly and Senate comes at prom time - a peak time for using the booths - and as national headlines and "Saturday Night Live" highlight the case of a deeply tanned New Jersey woman dubbed "tanorexic."

The American Cancer Society reports a 72 percent increase in melanoma in 10 years.

The Cancer Society's Russ Sciandra says state statistics show an increasing number of cases involve teenagers and he blames the proliferation of indoor tanning salons.

The industry has countered by saying tanning beds can be used safely and provide necessary vitamin D.