Health experts gather to discuss policy options as diagnoses reach 11,000 annually nationwide
The HSE National Cancer Control Programme and the Institute of Public Health are examining how Ireland could follow Australia’s successful example of banning commercial sunbeds, as skin cancer becomes an increasingly urgent public health concern across the country.
With over 11,000 skin cancer cases diagnosed annually in Ireland, the condition has become the most common form of cancer in the nation. The numbers are rising rapidly, yet health experts emphasise that the majority of cases are entirely preventable.
Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, explains the scale of the challenge:
“Skin cancer is a significant public health problem in Ireland. The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, which means that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays and by not using sunbeds.”
The timing of this policy discussion comes as compelling evidence emerges from Australia, which implemented a complete ban on commercial sunbeds in 2016. The results have been remarkable, both for public health and economic benefits.
Craig Sinclair, Head of Prevention Division and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborative Centre for UV Radiation at Cancer Council Victoria, shared Australia’s experience:
“There is a precedent for the successful banning of sunbeds. Australia introduced an outright ban on commercial sunbeds in 2016. The measure has enjoyed strong public support and has undoubtedly prevented thousands of skin cancers and delivered an estimated saving of over AU$64 million to the Australian Health system.”
The scientific evidence against sunbed use is overwhelming. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans, whilst the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks states there is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds.
Perhaps most concerning is the risk to young people: those who use sunbeds for the first time before age 35 increase their melanoma risk by a staggering 75 percent.
Ireland already has some protections in place through the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, which prohibits selling or hiring sunbeds to anyone under 18, restricts certain marketing practices, and requires warning notices. However, the current government has committed to exploring more comprehensive action.
Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, announced progress on this front:
“Action to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer is a priority of Government. This is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use. I’m pleased to say that I have established a cross-departmental Working Group to consider how to achieve this aim.”
The Institute of Public Health has been conducting a comprehensive assessment of sunbed use in Ireland, with findings set to inform the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan.
Dr Helen McAvoy, Director of Policy at the Institute of Public Health, revealed:
“We have recently undertaken a comprehensive assessment of sunbed use in Ireland. The findings will inform the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan and provide policy options to reduce skin cancer risk. The Institute of Public Health looks forward to publishing our report in the coming weeks.”
The projections for Ireland’s skin cancer future make sobering reading. Between 2015 and 2045, non-melanoma skin cancer cases are expected to increase by 177 percent for males and 189 percent for females. Melanoma cases could rise by 207 percent for males and 140 percent for females over the same period.
These discussions support the Department of Health and HSE’s National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan (2023-2026), which aims to raise awareness about sunbed risks through education and communication.
For those in Cork and across Munster looking to protect themselves, the message is clear: there is no such thing as a safe suntan, and no safe limit for sunbed exposure. More information on reducing skin cancer risk is available at www.hse.ie/sunsmart.