Sunbeds should be banned in the UK to cut skin cancer rates, experts say
Experts find minimal evidence stricter sunbed rules save lives
- Experts are calling for an outright ban on sunbeds in the UK, highlighting their significant contribution to the national skin cancer burden, particularly melanoma.
- A report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) concluded that there was little evidence stricter regulations would help and advocated for an immediate ban to effectively reduce skin cancer rates.
- Despite a 2011 ban for under-18s, surveys reveal that a considerable number of young people, including those aged 16-17 and 18-25, continue to use sunbeds, often unaware of the associated health risks.
- The study claims the unregulated sunbed industry is aggressively marketing a harmful product, with outlets disproportionately located in deprived areas, correlating with higher melanoma rates among young people.
- An immediate ban on commercial sunbeds, combined with public education, is proposed as the most cost-effective solution to save lives, reduce skin cancer incidence, and ease the burden on the NHS.