Young Sunbed Users Up Cancer Risk by 75%

Young people who use sunbeds are increasing their risk of a life-threatening form of skin cancer by 75%, according to Cancer Research UK.

A survey of 4,000 people, commissioned by the charity, has found that 82% of sunbed users started using sunbeds before they were 35. This is particularly dangerous as people who start using sunbeds under the age of 35 increase their risk of malignant melanoma by 75%, claims a report published by the International Agency for Research into Cancer ( IARC).

The survey also found that as many as one in three women questioned had used a sunbed. Overall, for men and women, the figure was one in four.

Repeated exposure to UV damages the DNA in skin cells which increases the risk of skin cancer and makes skin age faster, say Cancer Research UK.

Malignant melanoma is now the most common cancer in young adults aged between 15 and 34 and can be fatal. More women are diagnosed with melanoma but more men die from the disease.

Rebecca Russell, of Cancer Research UK said: "The results of our survey make for a stark warning to young people about the dangers of indoor tanning. You can’t always see the damage that UV does straight away. It builds up over time. But every time you use a sunbed you are harming your skin and increasing your risk of skin cancer.

Posted Monday 14th April 2008