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Sunbeds - The Facts

Skin Cancer Information

Sunbeds are not safe - FACT! UV radiation from sunbeds can
cause serious and irreparable damage and cause melanoma

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.
It is now one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds.

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Solar Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is a known carcinogen.
It cannot be seen or felt and is the primary cause of skin cancer

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Sunburn is a reaction to UV radiation and is a clear sign that
you have seriously damaged your skin.

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Worried about Vitamin D? Know the facts and how much sun
we need to produce the required daily levels.

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Our skin is our body’s largest organ that performs a variety of
vital functions - learn how UVR affects and damages our skin

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All skin types can be damaged by UVR, but some skin types
and family history of skin cancer can mean you are more at risk

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Sunbeds are not safe - FACT!

The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified
radiation, from both the sun and artificial UV tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans.
However, the intensity of UV rays in some sunbeds can be more than 10 times stronger than the midday Mediterranean sun!

Using sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by 59%. Regular sunbed use under the age of 30 increases the risk of skin cancer by an alarming 75%!

Short, intense and irregular UV exposure, like you receive from sunbed use is the fastest way to damage your skin. Damage increases with each session, is irreparable and can lead to melanoma - one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds in the UK!


Recent statistics from Cancer Research UK have shown an alarming increase in malignant melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) among women in their 20's and sunbeds are believed to be a contributory factor. The binge-tanning epidemic that is prevalent amongst young women in this country has propelled malignant melanoma above cervical cancer making this deadliest form of skin cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in their 20s for the first time.

A recent study in the US has revealed that more skin cancer cases are a direct result of sunbed use than lung cancer cases caused by smoking!
A study published by JAMA Dermatology "International Prevalence of Indoor Tanning - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." The number of skin cancer cases due to tanning is higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking.
In the US alone, 419,254 cases of skin cancer can be attributed to indoor tanning.
Out of this number, 6,199 are melanoma cases.

It is a common misconception that sunbeds provide health benefits and help prepare the skin for tanning outdoors. The most common misconception is the vitamin D Debate. For most people just going about their normal business in the summer months is sufficient to produce the required vitamin D levels. We certainly don't need to sunbathe to make enough vitamin D. We can also get vitamin D from certain foods including milk, fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals. It is also a common misconception that sunbed use prior to going abroad builds a natural defence to the sun's rays, the fact is that UV exposure from sunbeds is exactly the same as the damaging UV rays produced by the sun.

We strongly advise those who seek a tan to switch to sunless tanning options. Fake tanning is a huge market adopted by both men and women who are concerned about UV exposure and wish to take care of their skin. Excessive UV exposure not only dramatically increases your chances of developing melanoma it is one of the most common causes of premature aging and once the damage is done, there's no going back! So next time you consider using a sunbed - ask yourself one question:

Am I dying for a Tan?

To find out more about our work on sunbeds click here >

Skin Cancer TypesCheck Your SkinMelanoma FactsEarly Detection
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Download all you need to
know in one handy little book
DOWNLOAD NOW
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Look after your skin and follow
the golden rules of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Learn how to check your skin and
what you should be looking for...
LEARN MORE
Spotlight Topics

Sun Safe Schools
Sun Safe Schools
National primary school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist schools and parents on the importance of sun safety
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Sun Safe Nurseries
Sun Safe Nurseries
National pre-school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist settings and parents on the importance of sun safety
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Sun Safe Workplaces
Sun Safe Workplaces
National workplace accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach outdoor workers and employers the importance of sun safety
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Virgin Holidays
Virgin Holidays
Skcin have partnered with Virgin Holidays to target the most difficult ‘at risk’ group of holiday makers and active tan seekers for all year round awareness
LEARN MORE

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