Health

Sunbeds cause surge in skin cancer in under 30s

by Amy Judd | April 8, 2009 at 01:23 pm

244 views | 30 Recommendations | 3 comments

The popularity of sunbeds in the United Kingdom have caused a surge in skin cancer in women under 30s.

Malignant melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is now more common than cervical and breast cancer in women under 30.

An estimated 340 women in their twenties now have melanoma diagnosed in Britain every year — nearly double the number to have breast cancer diagnosed at a similar age, according to the charity.

Skin cancer kills 1,800 deaths every year in the UK; that is twice than the number in Australia where the sun's rays are stronger and people tend to have access to more beaches.
Most cases of malignant melanoma can be identified quickly by a fast growing dark spot that never existed before, or it can be detected in a mole that changes size, texture or colour.
Doctors tell all people to stay away from sunbeds and to use a high SPF sun lotion when going outside, especially on young children.
The desire for tanned fashionable skin is what is causing this rise in the use of sunbeds according to this new report.

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Barbara McPherson

at 13:42 on April 8th, 2009

Great advice now that we're seeing a little more sun in N. America. People should also keep in mind that if clothing is partially see through, the sun can see through too.

Luis Rubim

at 06:22 on April 9th, 2009

It's about time women realise the dangers they put themselves into just to look "good" and this is one aspect of it.

Women look good natural and should love themselves as they are and they should realize that what they see in the media takes tons, of make-up, photo airbrushing and a whole team of people to make them look that way.

I know this is an old and overused thing to say but nevertheless, true. It's always good to remind people. Particularly in a day and age where I now see people finding it acceptable to have their 8 and 12 year olds in high heels and fishnet stockings.

I sometimes want to have a go at the parents, it really pisses me off.