- The Melanoma Focus charity said it is “crucial” that everyone understands the dangers
Its relationship with skin cancer has been known for years.
But more than a quarter of adults still use sun loungers and many of them are unaware of the risk, a study reveals.
First on the list are young people, who want tanned physiques like those of contestants on reality shows like Love Island.
Experts from the charity Melanoma Focus said it is “crucial” that everyone understands the dangers involved.
The charity’s survey of 2,000 Britons aged 16 to 65 found that 28 per cent use sun loungers, peaking at 43 per cent among 18 to 25-year-olds. Around 62 percent were aware that sun lounger use can increase the risk of skin cancer, but a considerable percentage of this figure (38 percent) were unaware of the dangers.
More than a quarter of adults still use sun loungers, and many are unaware of the risk (file image)
Melanoma Focus has raised concerns about the number of people using sun loungers, which are now banned in the UK for under-18s (file image)
In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified the use of tanning devices that emit UV rays as carcinogenic to humans.
Along with sun exposure, academics believe that tanning bed use is behind an increase in the number of skin cancer diagnoses. The loungers use high-intensity artificial ultraviolet radiation for a quick tan. But this can damage the DNA of skin cells, which could lead to skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous type.
Melanoma Focus has raised concerns about the number of people using sunbeds, which are now banned in the UK for anyone under 18. Chief executive Susanna Daniels said: “The use of sunbeds across the UK is alarmingly high and it is shocking that many people do not realize how dangerous they are.
‘Melanoma skin cancer rates are increasing and it is an increasingly serious health problem. We strongly recommend against using sun loungers to protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma and other skin cancers.’
Along with sun exposure, academics believe that tanning bed use is behind an increase in the number of skin cancer diagnoses.
He added: ‘Our survey found that 43 per cent of 18-25 year olds currently use sun loungers. We would need more research to understand why the percentage is so high, but it may be due to the impact of tanned influencers and the number of tanning salons easily accessible.
“Our data also shows that only half of people aged 18 to 25 know that using tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer.” Georgia Edwards, 26, from Surrey, was diagnosed with melanoma when she was just 19 years old. She said: “It was a huge shock.” The first time I used a lounger was when I was 17 and then I used it about four times a week.
‘I had no idea of the risks. I had to undergo major surgery. People think that skin cancer only happens to older people after years of sun exposure, but that’s not true.’
Every year there are 17,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed in the UK and around 156,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer.