Melanoma UK contributes to Government crackdown on illegal underage sunbed use to cut teen cancer risk
New proposals under the National Cancer Plan will strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.
Our CEO Tracy Paine (MBE) alongside other key contributors were quoted in the article released by DHSC. Consultations will begin in Spring 2026 and new rules could come into force as soon as 2027.
“Melanoma UK strongly supports urgent strengthening of sunbed legislation to protect public health, particularly for young people. Evidence from the WHO, Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists is clear: sunbeds significantly increase the risk of melanoma by causing DNA damage through high-intensity UV radiation, particularly when used at a young age. There is no safe level of exposure”. said Tracy.
Click here for the full article and statement from Tracy
Access the National Cancer Plan document here
Recently the Advertising Standards Authority banned six tanning adverts for making irresponsible health claims or suggesting sunbeds were safe. The BBC reported on harmful misinformation being spread on social media claiming sunbeds offer health benefits.
