Image courtesy of Deposit Photos
The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has reiterated its warning about the dangers of sunbed use as it commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014. Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually.
To mark this milestone, the NCCP hosted a webinar aimed at updating community groups and organisations about the risks associated with sunbed use and the unlicensed tanning accelerator, Melanotan II. Professor Shirley Potter, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Mater Hospital, highlighted the significant health risks posed by sunbed use, including skin cancer and eye damage, emphasising the importance of safer alternatives and long-term skin health.
Key findings from the 2022 Healthy Ireland survey reveal that 18% of people in Ireland have used a sunbed, with 3% using them regularly or occasionally. Notably, sunbed use is highest among women under 45, and 7% of those aged 15 to 34 are likely to try sunbeds in the future. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) confirms there is no safe limit for UV radiation exposure from sunbeds.
Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the HSE NCCP, pointed out that even a single use of a sunbed increases the risk of developing melanoma by 20%. The webinar also addressed the dangers of Melanotan II, with Sean Cullen from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) warning against its use due to its unregulated nature.
The HSE NCCP’s National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026 includes an annual SunSmart campaign running from April to September, aimed at raising awareness about UV radiation risks from the sun and sunbeds. The campaign particularly targets sunbed users, stressing that sunbeds significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
The Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, enforced by the HSE National Environmental Health Service (NEHS), was a major public health initiative aimed at protecting children from UV radiation. The Act prohibits under-18s from using or purchasing sunbeds, mandates warning notices, and restricts certain marketing practices.
Caitlin O’Leary, a patient advocate, shared her personal experience, warning about the long-term health effects of sunbed use. Shane Keane, Regional Chief Environmental Health Officer, detailed the NEHS’s regular inspections and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the Act. Dr Alison Owen from Staffordshire University noted the addiction risk associated with sunbed use and the need for interventions promoting safer UV exposure behaviours.
The NCCP also encourages the public to follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s for UV protection: slip on protective clothing, slop on high-SPF sunscreen, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on UV-protection sunglasses.
The UV index for Ireland can be checked on the Met Éireann website.
For further details, visit HSE SunSmart and watch the webinar video here.