Sun Safety, Skin Cancer and the Hidden Dangers of Sunbeds

As summer arrives and daylight hours lengthen, many people look forward to spending more time outdoors. While sensible sun exposure can be an enjoyable part of a healthy lifestyle, it is important to understand that ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains one of the leading causes of skin cancer in the UK.

The intensity of UV rays varies throughout the day and across the seasons. During the summer months, UV levels typically peak between 11am and 3pm. This is the period when skin damage can occur most rapidly, often without immediate warning signs.

Protecting your skin does not mean avoiding the outdoors altogether. Rather, it involves taking practical precautions. Seeking shade during the middle of the day can significantly reduce UV exposure. Clothing also plays an important role. A simple t-shirt and shorts provide some protection, whilst sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat offer additional defence for particularly vulnerable areas such as the face, ears and eyes. Sunscreen should be applied generously, with a minimum SPF of 30, and reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

One of the most persistent myths surrounding tanning is that sunbeds provide a safer alternative to natural sunlight. The evidence clearly demonstrates otherwise.

Sunbeds emit concentrated UV radiation and have been directly linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), using sunbeds before the age of 35 is associated with a 59% increased risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. More recent research has shown that individuals who have used sunbeds have a 27% higher risk of melanoma than those who have never used them.

Despite growing awareness, sunbed use remains surprisingly common. An Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of Cancer Research UK in 2025 found that 9% of UK adults still use sunbeds either regularly or occasionally. More concerningly, Melanoma UK’s Sunbed Survey 2025 reported that 34% of 16 to 17-year-olds had used a sunbed at least once during the previous year.

These figures are particularly troubling given that legislation has prohibited commercial sunbed use by under-18s since the introduction of the Sunbeds Act 2010. Nevertheless, a Freedom of Information request in 2025 identified more than 200 recorded cases across 66 local authorities of under-18s using commercial sunbeds since the legislation came into force.

The consequences of excessive UV exposure are reflected in the rising incidence of skin cancer throughout the UK. Melanoma diagnoses exceeded 20,000 cases for the first time in 2022, according to Cancer Research UK analysis. Data from the National Disease Registration Service recorded 247,299 skin cancer diagnoses in England during 2023, including approximately 18,000 new melanoma cases. Melanoma alone is responsible for around 2,500 deaths annually in England.

Long-term trends are equally concerning. Research published in 2025 reported that melanoma incidence in the UK increased by 137% between 1990 and 2021. Whilst mortality rates have risen more slowly, the continuing increase in new diagnoses highlights the importance of prevention and early detection.

Although skin cancer is more common in older adults, younger people are not immune. Individuals with fair skin that burns easily, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, numerous freckles or moles, a history of frequent sunburn, regular sunbed use, or a personal or family history of skin cancer face an elevated risk. Whilst people with darker skin tones generally have a lower risk of developing skin cancer, it can still occur and should never be overlooked.

The good news is that many skin cancers are preventable. Sensible sun protection, avoidance of sunbeds and regular self-examination of the skin can make a significant difference. Any new mole, changing lesion, non-healing sore or unusual mark should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional.

Protecting your skin today is an investment in your long-term health. The effects of UV exposure accumulate over a lifetime, making every sensible decision count.