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New sunbed rules
RULES on the use of sunbeds are set to be tightened up, including a ban on under eighteens using them.
The proposals by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been welcomed as a way of controlling the risk of skin cancer to youngsters. The Department of Health asked the HSE to review its guidance which is more than ten years old and needs updating.
The HSE wants all sunbeds to be operated in staffed salons, to prevent the use of unmanned coin-operated beds seen in some parts of the country. A survey by Which? magazine surveyed 1,000 children aged eight to 15 and found around 3 per cent had used a sunbed.
The Department of Health estimates skin cancer rates will triple over the next 20 to 30 years. More than 100 deaths from skin cancer every year in the UK are thought to be linked to the use of sunbeds.
Research has shown under thirty-fives could be 75 per cent more likely to develop malignant melanoma if they use sunbeds.
Simon Goody, of Sandringham Road, Southend, has had skin cancer and welcomes the proposed changes. He had a malignant mole removed from his top lip in 2006 and now always uses suntan lotion with a high sun protection factor.
Simon, 41, said: "I have used sunbeds on occasion, but will never use them again. I think it's all down to vanity. If people want a colour then you can use a spray tan without getting skin cancer. I think the regulations need updating."
This is echoed by Esther Kay, who is a clinical nurse specialist in skin cancer at Southend Hospital.
On average the clinic sees two to three people a week with the most serious type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.
The youngest patient Mrs Kay has seen is 23 and had used sunbeds. She said: "Research shows a definite link between sunbed use and the development of skin cancer later on. There are some groups who should never use them, people with very fair skin, a history of skin cancer in a family, those who tend to burn easily and, of course, children, who have delicate skin.
"I would support the recommendations. Quite a significant percentage of our patients have used sunbeds, though the vast majority are due to sun exposure."
The industry trade body the Sunbed Association (TSA), instructs its members to ban under sixteens and to advise people with fair skin to avoid sunbeds, but there are no clear rules. The TSA's membership is only a quarter of Britain's 6,000 salons, with many not regulated at all.
Sue Duffen, manager of Oasis Tanning Studio in Westcliff, says some of their customers are aged 16 to 18, but the majority are older.
She said: "We are very strict here. We don't allow anyone under 16 on the sunbeds and we always guide people on the safe use of sunbeds. I'd probably support a ban on under eighteens."
To spot skin cancer, keep an eye out for new or existing moles which look different. Look for:
l A different colour, usually darker
l Different shades of pigmentation
l The shape increasing in size over time
l An itchy mole
l An open sore which does not heal in four to six weeks.
Any changes should be checked by a GP immediately.
10:18pm Tuesday 13th May 2008
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