Singapore: In a bid to reduce the soaring cases of skin cancer in the country, many states of Australia are set to ban commercial sunbeds in the New Year. The ban will be implemented with immediate effect in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and in the Australian Capital Territory.

Cancer Council Australia welcomed the ban, adding that it would help to reduce skin cancer rates in the country. As per recent statistics, skin cancer affects nearly two out of three Australians.

"Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world," advocacy director, Mr Paul Grogan said in a statement to AFP. Solariums expose users to extremely highly levels of ultraviolet radiation, greatly increasing their risk of melanoma and other skin cancers."

Many health organizations in Australia had conducted campaigns to spread awareness about the growing cases of skin cancer in the country. Mr Mark McArdle, Queensland, interim health minister said that the state recorded the highest number of skin cancer sufferers in the world.