‘Shocking’ people still use sunbeds despite skin cancer risk, public health doctor says

She urged people instead to use fake tan products or be safe in the sun with the help of sunscreen and sunglasses.

She was speaking after a study by Cork-based researchers revealed the true extent of sunbed use in Ireland. 

The study, compiled by the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and University College Cork, found almost half of 1,000 people surveyed had used a sunbed despite knowing the risks to their skin. Some 10.6% of people had used a sunbed in the last year.

“It’s shocking. It’s really concerning to see that level of ongoing sunbed usage,” Dr Neville said.

“My advice would be you should never, ever use one.” 

She pointed to an Australian study showing some machines emit UV radiation at an intensity “equivalent to five times the strength of the Australian midday sun.” 

Young people under 35 are at higher risk, she said.

We know if you use a sunbed once in your life you have a 20% higher risk of developing melanoma skin cancer even with using it just once.

Dr Neville, who works with the National Cancer Control Programme, recommended instead following five steps — Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide — before going out in the sun.

People can ‘slip’ on loose clothing, and ‘slop’ on sunscreen, about 30ml for an adult’s full body. They can also ‘slap’ on a wide-brimmed hat, ‘seek’ shade, and ‘slide’ on sunglasses.

She dismissed as “a myth” a widely-shared claim on social media that sunscreen can cause cancer.

“This is really concerning,” she said.

“The chemicals that are in chemical sunscreens are very rigorously tested, there is a list of ingredients, safe ingredients and they are very heavily regulated.” 

She added: “Everything that is in a sunscreen you can buy in Ireland at the moment is on that list.” 

Those are sunscreens absorbed into the skin or people can opt for thicker mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide for example.

Factor 50 is recommended up to 18 years of age and a minimum Factor 30 after that, she said.

“What we want is for people to enjoy the sun safely,” she added.

“There’s loads of benefits to being outdoors, physical and psychological. So we’re not telling people not to go outside.” 

Call for ban on sunbeds

Politicians called this week for sunbeds to be banned.

This followed the study showing 41.5% of people have used a sunbed and 10.6% did so on average eight times in 2020.

Senator Tim Lombard said: “It is well past time to remove Vat from sunscreen products and 10 years after banning the use of sunbeds for under-18s it’s time to have a conversation about banning the use of sunbeds for everyone.” 

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West Christopher O’ Sullivan said: “Australia has banned outright use of sunbeds and it is having an impact on health outcomes and costs to the state.

“I ask the Taoiseach to consider an outright ban on the use of sunbeds in Ireland because it will save money, but most importantly, it will save lives.”