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29/07/2009
Sunbeds 'As Damaging As Smoking', Report Finds
Using sunbeds can be as damaging to your health as smoking, a new report published today has found.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously assessed sunbeds or sunlamps as "probably carcinogenic", but has now said their use is definitively "carcinogenic to humans".
Analysis by the international cancer specialists has concluded that all types of ultra-violet (UV) radiation are as dangerous as tobacco smoke in causing cancer or exposure to asbestos.
It also found that tanning machines emitting UV light can increase the risk of skin tumours by 75%, in a special report published in the Lancet.
"The use of UV-emitting tanning devices is widespread in many developed countries, especially among young women," the authors of the report wrote.
"A comprehensive meta-analysis concluded that the risk of skin melanoma is increased by 75% when use of tanning devices starts before 30 years of age."
Kathy Banks, chief executive of the Sunbed Association said: "The relationship between UV exposure and an increased risk of developing skin cancer is only likely to arise where over-exposure, in other words burning, has taken place.
"However, research has shown that over 80% of sunbed users are very knowledgeable about the risks associated with over-exposure to ultraviolet and the majority of sunbed users take 20 or less sunbed sessions a year."
Jessica Harris, Cancer Research UK's health information officer, however, supported the findings.
She said: "The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now and so we are very pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category.
"This backs up Cancer Research UK's advice to avoid sunbeds completely for cosmetic purposes. They have no health benefits and we know that they increase the risk of cancer."
(JM/BMcc)
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously assessed sunbeds or sunlamps as "probably carcinogenic", but has now said their use is definitively "carcinogenic to humans".
Analysis by the international cancer specialists has concluded that all types of ultra-violet (UV) radiation are as dangerous as tobacco smoke in causing cancer or exposure to asbestos.
It also found that tanning machines emitting UV light can increase the risk of skin tumours by 75%, in a special report published in the Lancet.
"The use of UV-emitting tanning devices is widespread in many developed countries, especially among young women," the authors of the report wrote.
"A comprehensive meta-analysis concluded that the risk of skin melanoma is increased by 75% when use of tanning devices starts before 30 years of age."
Kathy Banks, chief executive of the Sunbed Association said: "The relationship between UV exposure and an increased risk of developing skin cancer is only likely to arise where over-exposure, in other words burning, has taken place.
"However, research has shown that over 80% of sunbed users are very knowledgeable about the risks associated with over-exposure to ultraviolet and the majority of sunbed users take 20 or less sunbed sessions a year."
Jessica Harris, Cancer Research UK's health information officer, however, supported the findings.
She said: "The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now and so we are very pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category.
"This backs up Cancer Research UK's advice to avoid sunbeds completely for cosmetic purposes. They have no health benefits and we know that they increase the risk of cancer."
(JM/BMcc)
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08 April 2011
Under 18s Protected From Sunbed Dangers
Businesses will face fines of up to £20,000 if they allow under 18s to use sunbeds from today. The Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010 aims to protect under 18s in search of a year-round tan from putting their health at risk. Over-exposure to the UV rays has become the main cause of skin cancer.
Under 18s Protected From Sunbed Dangers
Businesses will face fines of up to £20,000 if they allow under 18s to use sunbeds from today. The Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010 aims to protect under 18s in search of a year-round tan from putting their health at risk. Over-exposure to the UV rays has become the main cause of skin cancer.
04 April 2003
Cervical cancer risk link to contraceptive pill
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26 September 2012
Call For Dentists To Perform Oral Cancer Checks
Calls are being made for more dentists to check their patients for mouth cancer. Oral cancer rates are going up and some dentists are missing an opportunity to spot those at risk, according to Cancer Research UK.
Call For Dentists To Perform Oral Cancer Checks
Calls are being made for more dentists to check their patients for mouth cancer. Oral cancer rates are going up and some dentists are missing an opportunity to spot those at risk, according to Cancer Research UK.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
