MPs call for sunbed advertising ban to help prevent skin cancer

"MPs from a cross-party group are calling for a ban on advertising sunbeds and for warnings to be issued about the dangers of skin cancer in shops. They also proposed displaying cigarette-style images at sunbed shops and tanning salons to dissuade people from using them. The report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on beauty has found that the majority of skin cancer cases are preventable and also that using a sunbed before the age of 35 increases the risk of the most dangerous form of skin cancer by 60%."

"Seven people die each day from melanoma and it is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, according to charity Cancer Research UK. The government says its recent cancer action plan in England will aim to bring in stricter rules for sunbed use, including mandatory ID checks to make sure under-18s aren't using them. But this year-long research report says government intervention needs to go further, starting with education."

"It found that many adults did not understand the true risk of UV exposure and when to use sun cream. Suggestions included launching long-term public health campaigns to spread awareness among the adult population and integrating information in everyday settings such as apps, public transport, digital billboards and at GP check-ups. The report also found a lack of understanding about how sun exposure affects different skin tones, so providing inclusive information is important."

"There is currently only mandatory sun safety teaching in English primary schools and nothing in secondary schools. Schools do not have requirements in place to provide shaded areas on sunny days. Education could also extend to training those in hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy to spot potentially cancerous moles on clients and encoura"

MPs from a cross-party group call for banning advertising for sunbeds and for warnings about skin cancer dangers in shops. They propose using cigarette-style images at sunbed outlets to deter use. A report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on beauty says most skin cancer cases are preventable and that using a sunbed before age 35 increases risk of the most dangerous skin cancer by 60%. Seven people die each day from melanoma in the UK, which is the fifth most common cancer. The government plans stricter sunbed rules in England, including mandatory ID checks, but the report says education must go further. It recommends long-term public health campaigns and inclusive information about UV risks across different skin tones, plus better sun safety teaching in schools and training for beauty and hair professionals to spot suspicious moles.

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