Truth about sunbeds

Sunderland sunbeds posterDo you use sunbeds? Maybe you are thinking about using one in the future?

Before visiting the tanning salon, it’s really worth considering the facts around the damage sunbeds can have on your health and your appearance.

Across March 2010, we’re running a campaign to warn young people in Sunderland of the link between sunbed use and skin cancer.

 

The naked facts

  • Sunbeds are not a safe alternative to tanning outdoors.
  • Sunbeds give out UV rays which damage the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this damage can build up and may eventually lead to skin cancer.
  • Experts recently moved sunbeds from the ‘probably carcinogenic’ category to ‘carcinogenic’. This puts sunbeds in the same category as tobacco, alcohol and asbestos.
  • Young people are particularly at risk – people who first use a sunbed before the age of 35 have a 75% increased risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

 

 

A fast route to wrinkly skin

Every time you use a sunbed you are harming your skin – as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer, sunbeds cause premature ageing and make skin look wrinkly and leathery before its time.

Gemma MernerGemma Merner, who plays Carmel Valentine in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, started using sunbeds when she was 15. Check out our shocking UV images revealing the hidden damage to her skin.

"Looking at these photos, I can see there are already signs of sun damage and I’m only 25! It's quite shocking. You only get one skin so you really need to look after it. These pictures have convinced me for sure that I’ll never use a sunbed again."

 

The Sunderland campaign

Cancer Research UK has teamed up with Sunderland PCT to run the 'Truth About Sunbeds' campaign aimed at young women in the city.

Sunderland was chosen because recent research revealed the level of sunbed use by young people is particularly high. The city is also a ‘hot spot’ for sunbed salons, ranking fourth in England for the number of salons per number of residents.

Hundreds of 'calendar style' posters are being displayed across the city, from the beginning of March, giving a stark illustration of the link between sunbed use and skin cancer.

A hit squad will also be out and about at busy shopping times aiming to engage young people with the campaign face-to-face.

 

Real stories

Justine Shields was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, at the age of 36. She started using sunbeds when she was 15 and used them to keep her tan up in between holidays, until she was diagnosed with skin cancer. Watch Justine’s video and hear her story.

 

More information

More detailed information about sunbeds is available on the sunbeds page of the SunSmart website.