New data released today by the charity Melanoma Focus has shown an alarming trend of sunbed use among young people in the UK. Despite the 2011 law banning sunbeds for under 18s, the charity’s research has found that 34% of young people aged 16 to 17 are using them at least once per year and 23% at least once per month, putting themselves at serious risk of skin cancers including melanoma.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and rates are rising in the UK. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ultraviolet (UV) radiation from commercial sunbeds as a Type 1 carcinogen, meaning it is a known cause of cancer in humans in the same category as asbestos and smoking.
Young skin is particularly vulnerable to the risks of sunbeds and research has shown that sunbed use prior to age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59%.
In addition to sunbed use, the rise in popularity of tanning nasal sprays and injections has added another layer of concern. These artificial substances include melanotan-II to stimulate the pigment cells in the skin to produce more melanin, making skin look darker. The health risks associated with these tanning methods are increasingly coming to light and no forms of melanotan-II have been approved for human use in the UK.
The Melanoma Focus survey found that 20% of UK adults (and 21% of 16-17 year olds) say they have used nasal sprays or injections intended to intensify their tan with 28% of males and 13% of females engaging in this risky behaviour.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said:
“This data clearly demonstrates that the UK sunbed industry is failing to follow the law and is endangering young people.
“The evidence is unequivocal, sunbeds pose a significant risk factor for developing melanoma skin cancer which is why they have been banned in Australia and Brazil.
“Alarmingly, our survey also found that around a third of people using melanotan-II nasal sprays or injections purchased them from sunbed salons. We strongly urge the public to avoid using sunbeds and to educate themselves on the dangers of melanotan-II products.
“Furthermore, we call upon sunbed salons to take responsibility by adhering to the law which is designed to protect children from the dangers of skin cancer.”
Georgie Rutherford, age 40 from Darlington, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2020, she said:
“I first used a sunbed when I was 17. I went with my college friend to a high street salon and no one there asked us how old we were. I also used them in my 20s prior to going on holidays because I thought getting a bit of a tan before going to a hot country would stop me from burning. I didn’t use them a great deal but, when I was diagnosed with melanoma after finding a lump on my arm, it made me wish I’d avoided them altogether.
“It’s shocking how poorly educated most people are about the dangers of sunbeds and that it’s still so easy for teenagers to use them. I often see school kids going into sunbed salons and it’s really worrying.”
Professor Catherine Harwood, Consultant Dermatologist and Melanoma Focus Trustee said:
“The ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by sunbeds are proven to increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
“Using sunbeds at any age can lead to DNA damage in skin cells, which significantly raises the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life. Young people are particularly vulnerable.”
The survey also found that sunbed usage is on the rise among men and now surpasses that of women. 40% of males surveyed said they use sunbeds compared to 19% of females. Sunbed use is high across the UK but usage is highest in Greater London with 55% of respondents saying they use sunbeds once per year or more and 45% saying they use them once a month or more.
For more information about sunbeds and melanoma prevention visit Melanoma Focus.
Campaign Collective is a campaign partner to Melanoma Focus.