Experts Call for Ban on Commercial Sunbeds in the UK to Combat Skin Cancer Risk

Recent research and expert analyses underscore the urgent need to prohibit commercial sunbeds across the United Kingdom. The article, published in The BMJ, highlights that the use of indoor tanning devices significantly contributes to melanoma and other skin cancers, especially among young people. Despite existing legislation banning under-18s from using sunbeds since 2011, surveys reveal that many teenagers continue to access these harmful devices, often in unsafe and unregulated settings.

A 2024 UK-wide survey indicated that 43% of young adults aged 18–25 had used sunbeds; half of them weekly, often unaware of the associated health risks. Further, a recent study found that 34% of 16–17-year-olds still used sunbeds, despite the legal restrictions. The problem is compounded by the lack of regulation monitoring, with data showing over 4,000 outlets in England alone, primarily concentrated in deprived regions and areas with higher melanoma incidence.

International examples show that regulation alone is insufficient. For instance, in Ireland and Iceland, even with stricter rules or bans, under-18s continue to access sunbeds. This demonstrates the aggressive marketing tactics of the industry targeting vulnerable populations.

Experts advocate for an outright ban on commercial sunbeds, coupled with public education campaigns to raise awareness about the risks. They argue that such a ban would be a cost-effective measure to reduce skin cancer rates and save lives. To address economic concerns from industry stakeholders, a buy-back scheme could be implemented to ease the transition.

Ultimately, the experts stress that the UK government’s pledge to reduce health inequalities and prioritize prevention should include comprehensive action against the tanning industry. A ban on commercial sunbeds would send a clear message about the harms of indoor tanning and would be a crucial step forward in skin cancer prevention efforts.