Governments should strengthen labelling requirements on tanning equipment, the Canadian Medical Association says. (Al Grillo/Associated Press)

Canadians under 18 should be banned from using indoor tanning beds because of the skin cancer risk, the country's doctors say.

The Canadian Medical Association approved a motion calling for the ban at its annual meeting in Niagara Falls, Ont., on Tuesday.

The group called on all levels of government to regulate the artificial tanning industry, with a focus on banning access for children and most teens.

A second resolution calls on governments to strengthen labelling requirements on tanning equipment and require signs outlining the cancer risks.

The CMA said it will now lobby governments on the resolutions.

Health Canada voluntary guidelines say children shouldn't use indoor tanning beds because exposure can cause skin cancer.

In June, doctors in Nova Scotia also called for a provincial ban on the use of tanning beds by people under 18.

Skin cancer risk grows

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, says anyone who begins using tanning devices before age 30 increases the risk of cancer by 75 per cent.

Conservative MP James Bezan's proposed private member's bill would require radiation warning labels on tanning beds as part of a consumer awareness campaign. Bezan said he was inspired by his wife, who was diagnosed with melanoma twice.

The Joint Canadian Tanning Association has called on provinces to help regulate operating standards for the industry.

This year, an estimated 5,300 new cases of melanoma and 920 deaths will occur, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Other consumer-related resolutions adopted by the CMA included:

• A recommendation for governments to require clear calorie counts and sodium, fat and protein information on restaurant and cafeteria menus.
• A recommendation for the federal government to increase awareness of existing programs to teach consumers how to interpret nutrition information on packaged foods.
• Support to include energy drinks under the Food and Drug Act to allow regulation, limitation and listing of caffeine content in energy drinks.

The CMA annual meeting ends Wednesday.

With files from The Canadian Press