Health experts confirm it: using sunbeds can give you cancer

Published on Tuesday 28 July 2009 22:01

THE use of sunbeds now ranks alongside smoking, arsenic and exposure to asbestos as a cause of cancer, leading international experts have warned.

Until now, ultraviolet-emitting tanning devices were classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

But following a review of the evidence, the agency – part of the World Health Organisation – has moved sunbeds into its highest cancer risk category, labelled "carcinogenic to humans".

This places sunbeds alongside cigarettes, mustard gas, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, among others, as a cause of cancer.

The research, published in medical journal The Lancet Oncology, concluded sunbeds could increase the chances of developing cancerous tumours, with the highest risks being for children and young adults.

The researchers said: "A comprehensive meta-analysis concluded the risk of skin melanoma is increased by 75 per cent when use of tanning devices starts before 30 years of age.

"Additionally, several case-control studies provide consistent evidence of a positive association between the use of UV-emitting tanning devices and ocular melanoma (eye cancer]."

The Sunbed Association yesterday disputed the research and said there was "no proven link" between sunbeds and cancer.

"The Sunbed Association would dispute the IARC classification that sunbeds are carcinogenic to humans," the association's chief executive, Kathy Banks, said. "There is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer."

Dr Mark Matfield, from the Association for International Cancer Research, based in St Andrews, said:

"This (research] clearly raises the question of whether sunbeds should be restricted or banned, but we still haven't banned tobacco 50 years after we found it caused cancer."

Jessica Harris, Cancer Research UK's health information officer, said: "The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now, and we are very pleased that IARC has upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category.

"This backs up Cancer Research UK's advice to avoid sunbeds … They have no health benefits and we know that they increase the risk of cancer."

The Scottish Parliament has already taken action, last year banning the use of sunbeds by under-18s.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "Skin cancer is on the rise in Scotland and we must do all we can to tackle this and protect the public, particularly young people.

"Sunbeds damage your health and I am proud that Scotland is leading the way in the UK on this issue.

"Already we have passed legislation on the use, hire and sale of sunbeds.

"In addition, we have recently launched a consultation on health warnings which will be carried by all operators."

"All of the measures are scheduled to come into effect near the end of the year and we will work with operators to ensure compliance with the legislation."