A bill at the Arizona Capitol is aimed at protecting Arizona children from making choices that could contribute to cancer later in life.

Cancer research cited by the American Cancer Society has shown a steady rise in melanoma among 15- to 29-year-olds over the past three decades. That also tracks with the steady rise in salons offering ultraviolet ray tanning beds.

Vanessa Ramirez, a cancer survivor at age 35, is actively urging state lawmakers to ban tanning bed access for minors under age 18.

She visited with lawmakers this week to share startling statistics, such as the Melanoma Research Foundation's claim that people who expose themselves to the UV rays in tanning beds before age 35 increase their risk of melanoma by 75 percent.

"Unfortunately, a lot of gals who are enjoying the tanning beds now have scars because of the surgery they've had to receive because of endless hours underneath that tanning bed and the dangerous UV rays," Ramirez said.

Currently, Arizona laws require only that a minor have their parent's consent to enter a tanning bed.

House Bill 2084 would ban tanning beds entirely for anyone under the age of 18.

Fifteen states already have bans against minors using tanning beds.