- Charity Melanoma Focus said it is ‘crucial’ that everyone understands the dangers
Their connection with skin cancer has been known for years.
But sunbeds are still used by more than a quarter of adults, with many unaware of the risk, a survey has found.
At the top of the list are the young people, who want a tanned physique, like that of contestants on reality TV shows such as Love Island.
Experts from the charity Melanoma Focus said it is ‘crucial’ that everyone understands the dangers.
The charity’s survey of 2,000 Britons aged 16 to 65 found that 28 per cent use sunbeds – with a peak of 43 per cent among those aged 18 to 25. About 62 percent were aware that tanning bed use can increase the risk of skin cancer, but a significant number – 38 percent – were unaware of the dangers.
Sunbeds are still used by more than a quarter of adults, with many unaware of the risk (stock image)
Melanoma Focus has raised concerns about the number of use of sunbeds, which are now banned in Britain for anyone under the age of 18 (stock image)
In 2009, the International Agency for Research On Cancer classified the use of UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans.
In addition to sun exposure, academics believe that tanning bed use is responsible for an increase in the number of diagnosed skin cancers. Tanning beds use high-intensity artificial UV radiation to tan quickly. But this can damage the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma – the most dangerous type.
Melanoma Focus has raised concerns about the prevalence of sunbed use, which is now banned in Britain for anyone under the age of 18. Chief executive Susanna Daniels said: ‘The use of sunbeds in the UK is at alarming levels and it is shocking that so many people do not realize how dangerous they are.
‘The number of skin cancers caused by melanoma is increasing and it is an increasingly serious health problem. We strongly advise against using a sunbed to protect your skin and reduce the risk of being diagnosed with melanoma and other skin cancers.’
In addition to sun exposure, academics believe tanning bed use is responsible for an increase in the number of diagnosed skin cancers
She added: ‘Our research found that 43 per cent of 18 to 25 year olds currently use sunbeds. We need further research to understand why this percentage is so high, but it could be down to the impact of tanned influencers and the number of tanning salons that are easily accessible.
‘Our data also shows that only half of 18 to 25 year olds know that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer.’ Georgia Edwards, 26, from Surrey, was diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 19. She said: ‘It came as a huge shock. I first used a tanning bed when I was 17 and used them about four times a week after that.
‘I had no idea of the risks. I had to undergo major surgery. People think that skin cancer only occurs in older people after years of sun exposure, but that is not true.’
There are 17,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in the UK, and around 156,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer.