Irish Cancer Society urges people not to use sunbeds

EXPERTS last night warned of the dangers of using sunbeds as it emerged more than 185,000 people ignore the fact they can cause skin cancer.

People aged between 15 and 34 are highest users of sunbeds. And, according to the latest consumer research, almost one in 10 use sunbeds once a week or more in their bid to get a tan.

In 18% of sunbed venues, no guidelines for use were shown - while a quarter of all users were encouraged by the salon operator to use a tan accelerator.

One in five people said they had experienced sunburn as a result of using the beds. These stark results were described by Dublin consultant dermatologist Dr Gillian Murphy yesterday as “extremely worrying.”

“Sunbeds can emit levels of UV (ultra violet) radiation up to five times as strong as the summer midday sun and so increase the risk of skin cancer considerably,” the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) warned. Research shows 185,000 people in Ireland - 6% of the population - ignore the dangers of sunbeds.

As part of its annual Sun Smart campaign, the ICS is urging people to avoid using sunbeds.

“The most recent figures from the National Cancer Registry show that there are approximately 5,565 new cases of skin cancer every year, making it the most common type of cancer in Ireland,” the society added. In the survey conducted on 1,200 adults, one in eight 25 to 34-year-olds and one in 10 in the 25-34 age category use sunbeds.

“The trend in using sunbeds and the frequency of usage is extremely worrying,” said Dr Murphy.

It was not true - as many young women believed - that getting a “base tan” from a sunbed protects their skin from damage or enhances a tan gained from natural sunlight, said ICS health promotion manager Elaine Glynn.

“Tanned skin is damaged skin, whether the tan is obtained through sunbed use or by sunbathing on the beach,” she added.