Nurses urge sunbed ban for under-18s

Nurses in the North called for a ban on under-18s using sunbeds today.

The Royal College of Nurses (RCN) also said proper information should be made available about the dangers of using the tanning machines.

The number of malignant melanoma skin cancer cases has increased from around 80 in 1984 to 233 in 2007.

RCN Northern Ireland director Janice Smyth said: “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. However, it is one of the few diseases that can be minimised if people protect themselves from harmful UV rays, especially when they are young.

“Banning access to under-18s would be an important step in protecting young people.”

Nearly 2,800 non-melanoma skin cancers, which are less serious, were diagnosed in 2007, making it the most common type of cancer in the North.

A Department of Health consultation on regulation of the sunbed industry closes tomorrow.

The RCN is also calling for sunbed operators to be forced to register with a local authority, compulsory training for staff and a bar on self-operated sunbeds.

Ms Smyth added: “At the moment, any individual can set up a sunbed outlet without any training or knowledge of the health effects. This has to stop.

“The RCN would also emphasise the importance of educating the public about sun and skin protection, including campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of sunbeds and providing information about skin cancer prevention and the need to seek early medical advice.”