By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
An Australian dermatologist has called it "insane" that sunbeds are not banned in Northern Ireland, given their established links to skin cancer. Jim Muir pointed out that tanning parlours significantly increase the risk of melanoma, a fact recognized in Australia where they have been banned for over a decade.
This concern comes as Belfast has been named the "sunbed capital of the UK," with 37% of adults in the city using them, according to data from the charity Melanoma Focus, which also reports a rise in melanoma skin cancer across the UK. Muir, visiting Northern Ireland to share his experiences from Australia, the "melanoma capital of the world," told BBC News NI that using tanning parlours is irrational. He emphasized that sunbeds cause premature aging and expose users to cancer causing UV light. He humorously noted that while Australians can get skin cancer for free outdoors, sunbed users in Northern Ireland pay for the risk.
The Public Health Agency states that skin cancer accounts for over 30% of all cancers detected in Northern Ireland, primarily due to UV exposure. Skin cancer can be classified into melanoma, which can spread and typically appears as new or changing moles, and non melanoma, which is more common and less severe. Northern Ireland records about 400 melanoma cases and 60 deaths annually, while non melanoma cases average around 4,000 per year with a minimal fatality rate.
Stevenson, a pharmacist, discovered a new mole in her garden last summer and, recognizing the symptoms, sought medical advice. Diagnosed with malignant melanoma, she now advocates for sun safety, emphasizing avoiding sunbeds and using high factor sunscreen.
In 2009, the World Health Organization classified UV sunlamps, sunbeds, and tanning booths as carcinogenic, leading to bans in countries like Brazil and Australia. While Northern Ireland restricts sunbed use for those under 18, Muir argues for a complete ban, comparing it to other protective regulations like speed limits and seatbelts.
The Department of Health has stated there are no immediate plans to ban sunbeds but has not ruled out future regulations. Preventative measures include avoiding sunbeds, using sunscreen, and utilizing services like Action Cancer's skin cancer detection service, which has identified over 100 skin cancers since April 2023.
What is skin cancer ?
The Public Health Agency reports that skin cancer accounts for over 30% of all cancers detected in Northern Ireland, primarily due to UV ray exposure. Skin cancer is categorized into two types melanoma and non melanoma.
Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and typically presents as a new mole or a change in an existing one. Commonly affected areas include the back, legs, arms, and face. Melanomas often have irregular shapes, multiple colors, and can be larger than normal moles, sometimes becoming itchy or bleeding. The NI Cancer Registry records approximately 400 malignant melanoma cases annually in Northern Ireland, with an average of 60 deaths per year.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is more prevalent and generally less serious, with an average of fewer than 4,000 cases per year and about 1% resulting in death.
Who can get skin cancer ?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing melanoma, including age, pale skin, a high number of moles, and a family history of skin cancer. However, the primary cause is exposure to UV rays from the sun and sunbeds.
Lyn Stevenson, a "self confessed sun worshiper," admitted she felt ironically healthy when tanned. She recalled noticing a new mole on her knee while sitting in her garden in summer 2023. As a pharmacist familiar with the ABCDE checklist for distinguishing normal moles from melanomas, she felt prompted by a tweet from Action Cancer about its new skin cancer detection service to seek medical advice.
Upon diagnosis with malignant melanoma, Lyn was "completely shocked," as she had not experienced painful sunburn while tanning. Her cancer was caught early and had not spread. Reflecting on her past sunbed use, she now adheres to using fake tan and SPF 50 sunscreen. Lyn urges others in Northern Ireland to recognize the risk, sharing that she once believed it wouldn't happen to her despite the apparent danger. She emphasizes that while a tan may give a healthy glow, it is far from healthy when it results in cancer.
What are the symptoms of melanoma ?
The primary symptom of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing one. This can involve alterations in color, shape, or size, or if the mole becomes painful or itchy. The NHS recommends consulting a GP if a new or unusual mark on the skin persists for several weeks.
The ABC of checking a mole
When examining a mole for signs of melanoma, consider the following criteria,
Asymmetry: The two halves of the mole differ in shape.
Border: The edges are irregular or jagged.
Colour: The colour is uneven or patchy, with shades of black, white, grey, brown, or pink; the presence of two or more colours is a cause for concern.
Diameter: Most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter.
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.
Funny: If the mole looks unusual or you have any concerns about it, seek medical advice.
Should sunbeds ba banned ?
In 2009, the World Health Organization classified exposure to UV sunlamps, sunbeds, and tanning booths as carcinogenic. That same year, Brazil became the first country to ban sunbeds for cosmetic purposes, followed by Australia, which banned commercial sunbeds in 2013.
In Northern Ireland, sunbeds are prohibited for individuals under 18. However, Australian dermatologist Jim Muir argues that this restriction is insufficient. He asserts, "If it's not safe when you're under 18, it's not safe when you're over 18. Sometimes you have to protect people from themselves, like with speed limits, seatbelts, and crash helmets. It’s illogical to allow exposure to an avoidable and potent carcinogen."
The Department of Health has stated that there are "no immediate plans to ban sunbeds." However, it acknowledged that future regulatory measures could be considered as part of the department's Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy, which aims to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
How to prevent skincare ?
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is advisable to avoid sunbeds and tanning booths, and to exercise caution when exposed to the sun by using sunscreen and reapplying it regularly.
Action Cancer's skin cancer detection service, launched in April 2023, is another valuable resource. Iona McCormack, the charity's senior skin cancer specialist nurse, reported that the service has detected over 100 cases of skin cancer, including 12 to 14 malignant melanoma cases.
She noted that these numbers were higher than expected. McCormack explained, "Unfortunately, we've observed that people delayed seeking treatment during the pandemic, and even now, some patients are still hesitant to visit their GP. I believe this is why we've identified more cases than anticipated, as people see this as an alternative service."