Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds increases the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer prevention campaigns and the regulation of sunbeds are needed to reduce these risks.
Sunbeds have been shown to increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, among those under the age of 35. Cancer Research UK has successfully campaigned for a ban on under-18s using sunbeds in England.
We work closely with Governments in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland where additional regulations are in place to help protect children further and increase awareness of the risks to adult users. We would like to see England offer the same level of protection by introducing similar regulations and allowing all local authorities to license sunbed businesses.
Cancer Research UK response to APPG on skin consultation on sunbeds (February 2014)(PDF, 640 KB)
Get in touch with the Prevention Policy Research team to hear more about our research projects and how you can get involved to work with us to fight cancer.
