- Over a quarter of Britons still use sunbeds despite risks
- Young adults, influenced by reality TV, top sunbed users
- Melanoma Focus stresses awareness; sunbeds pose cancer risks
Their association with skin cancer has been recognized for years.
A study reveals, however, that more than a quarter of adults continue to use sunbeds, with many being oblivious to the dangers involved.
Young people, who aspire to have tanned bodies like those of contestants on reality television programs like Love Island, are at the top of the list.
Melanoma Focus experts have emphasized that it is “critical” that all individuals are aware of the risks involved.
According to a charity survey of 2,000 Britons aged 16 to 65, 28% utilize sunbeds, with the percentage peaking at 43% among those aged 18 to 25. 62% were cognizant of the fact that sunbed use increases the risk of developing skin cancer; however, 38% were unaware of the perils.
The International Agency For Research On Cancer categorized UV-emitting tanning devices as human carcinogens in 2009.
Academics believe that, in addition to sun exposure, the use of sunbeds has contributed to the rise in the incidence of skin cancer. Sunbeds accelerate the tanning process by employing intense UV radiation that is artificially generated. However, this can disrupt the DNA of skin cells, which can result in the development of skin cancer, including the most dangerous form, melanoma.
Concerns have been expressed by Melanoma Focus regarding the number of individuals utilizing sunbeds, which are currently prohibited in the United Kingdom for those under the age of 18. Chief executive Susanna Daniels remarked, “It is shocking that so many people in the United Kingdom are unaware of the dangers of sunbed use, which is alarmingly high.”
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As the incidence of melanoma skin cancer rises, it becomes an ever-greater public health concern.” We strongly discourage the use of sunbeds to reduce the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers and to safeguard the skin.
“Our survey revealed that 43% of 18- to 25-year-olds are utilizing sunbeds at this time,” she continued. Understanding the reason for the extremely high percentage would require additional research; however, it could be attributed to the influence of tanned influencers or the abundance of conveniently located tanning salons.
Additionally, only half of 18- to 25-year-olds are aware that sunbed use increases the risk of developing skin cancer, according to our data. At age 19, Surrey native Georgia Edwards, now 26 years old, was diagnosed with melanoma. She remarked, “It was an absolute revelation.” At age 17, I purchased my first sunbed and began using one approximately four times per week.
“I was completely unaware of the risks.” I required extensive surgery. It is not true that skin cancer only affects elderly individuals who have been exposed to the sun for years.
On an annual basis, the United Kingdom witnesses the diagnosis of 17,000 melanoma cases and 156,000 non-melanoma skin cancer cases.
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