Desire for a sun-tan may be an addiction similar to alcoholism

PEOPLE who compulsively use sunbeds despite knowing the risks of skin cancer may be suffering from an addiction similar to those for alcohol and cigarettes, experts warn.

Researchers claim the results of a study may explain why campaigns to inform sunbed users and sunbathers of the dangers from ultraviolet radiation have proven ineffective.

The incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, with more than 6,000 cases of malignant melanoma - the most deadly type - diagnosed in the UK each year.

Scotland's fondness for tanning - Glasgow has the most sunbeds per capita in the UK - coupled with its people's generally melanoma-prone fair skin has seen cases of the disease increase.

Nearly 700 Scots are diagnosed each year, and health experts predict a 73 per cent rise in cases in the next 20 years.

Researchers from the University of Texas said they have found evidence that could explain these figures. Using criteria adapted from those used to screen for alcoholism and drug dependency, the researchers concluded that tanning behaviour may be the product of a similar kind of addiction, complete with binge tanning sessions and compulsive behaviour popularly described as "tanorexia".

Dr Richard Wagner, senior author of the study, said: "Dermatologists often talk about people who seem 'addicted to the sun' - people who know it's not good for them to be bronzed all the time, but don't seem to be able to stop tanning.

"It's interesting that by slightly modifying tools used to identify substance-related disorders, we can actually see an objective similarity between regular tanning and those disorders."

The researchers asked 145 beach-goers about their habits, including questions such as: "Do you try to cut down on the time you spend in the sun, but find yourself still sun-tanning?" and "Do you think you need to spend more and more time in the sun to maintain your perfect tan?"

Using the criteria adapted from an alcoholism screening questionnaire, the researchers concluded that 26 per cent of those interviewed could be classed as "ultraviolet light tanning dependent".

When the researchers applied the data to the more generous American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, even more beach-goers - 53 per cent - could be classed as tanning dependent.

Dr Kat Arney, of Cancer Research UK, said: "This is only a small study but it does provide some interesting insight into why people continue to binge sunbathe, despite knowing the risks. With rates of the most dangerous type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, set to treble in the UK in the next 30 years, it's vital that sun awareness messages get through to hard-to-reach groups."

Professor Wagner added: "This is a new idea, and we didn't know how it would turn out, although there has been mixed evidence from other studies suggesting that tanning increases endorphin production, which could be addictive."

He went on: "Certainly, this could explain why educational interventions haven't been more successful."

The research may bolster calls in Scotland for tighter regulations on tanning salons.

A private member's bill, currently being promoted in the Scottish Parliament, would give local authorities powers to license salons only to owners who adhere to a code of practice - and only allow people over 18 to use them.

UV exposure in young people is of particular concern to health professionals. The number of adolescents diagnosed with malignant melanoma has trebled in the UK in the past 25 years - from one per 200,000 to three per 200,000. About a quarter of sufferers die.

The proposed Holyrood bill, which is already supported by the Royal Environmental Institute of Scotland, received support this week from Tommy Sheridan, MSP, the former SSP leader.

Mr Sheridan has admitted using sunbeds twice a week to maintain his tan.

Skin cancer often occurs when UV radiation causes cells to start dividing in an unnatural way. In the most serious cases, the rogue cells get into the bloodstream and transfer themselves to other organs, including the brain.

Dermatologists estimate that 20 minutes on a sunbed can be the same as about four hours in the sun.

Prof Brian Diffey, of Newcastle General Hospital, led a study in 2003 which concluded that about 100 people in Britain die every year from skin cancer caused by sunbed use. Survival rates are much higher for those diagnosed early. Abnormal moles and skin discolourations can all be signs of the disease.