Susanna Daniels
CEO, Melanoma Focus
Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third (32%) in the UK. It is estimated that, across the country, sunbeds cause about 440 melanomas and around 100 deaths each year.
New data released this month by the charity Melanoma Focus has found that over a quarter (28%) of adults in the UK say they use sunbeds, rising to 43% of 18–25 year olds.
The charity, along with medical experts, has expressed serious concerns about the high usage of sunbeds and its impact on the rising number of skin cancer cases across the country.
Skin cancer high mortality rates
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills 2,300 people in the UK per year. In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ultraviolet light emitted from tanning beds as carcinogenic and placed artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation alongside tobacco and asbestos in the highest category of carcinogen.
Youth awareness of sunbed risks
The new research found that public awareness of the dangers of sunbed use is low; only 62% of people know that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer. This dropped to 52% of 18–25 year olds, very worryingly, 23% of them believe that sunbed use actually decreases the risk of skin cancer.
The high use and lack of awareness of the dangers in younger people is a particular concern, as studies have found that first exposure to indoor tanning before the age of 35 is associated with a 75% increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Only 62% of people know that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer.
Avoid sunbed use to prevent melanoma
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, says: “The proliferation of sunbed use across the UK is alarmingly high, and it’s shocking that so many people don’t realise how dangerous they are.
“Melanoma skin cancer rates are rising in the UK, and it’s an increasingly serious health concern. The good news is that 86% of melanomas are preventable by avoiding ultraviolet radiation, which comes from the sun or from sunbeds.
“We strongly advise against using sunbeds in order to protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers.”
Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing information, supporting education and promoting research about melanoma.
The charity runs a free and confidential helpline at 0808 801 0777.
