In a decisive move to curb the rising incidence of skin cancer among young people, the UK government has announced plans to ban unsupervised sunbed use by minors as part of its National Cancer Plan. The consultation for these new regulations is set to commence in Spring 2026, with the rules potentially being enforced as early as 2027. This initiative aims to tackle preventable cancer cases and support the National Health Service (NHS) in its mission to become more resilient for the future.
The proposed crackdown seeks to enhance protections for teenagers by targeting businesses that illegally offer sunbed sessions to individuals under 18. This follows alarming findings that some tanning salons have been allowing access to teenagers as young as 14, despite existing prohibitions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified sunbeds as dangerous as smoking, with studies indicating that using a sunbed before the age of 20 increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 47% compared to those who have never used one.
Strengthening Sunbed Regulations
Under the new proposals, the government will enforce stricter regulations on commercial sunbed use, including mandatory ID checks to verify age and a complete ban on unsupervised sessions. Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, “Stronger protections on sunbeds are needed so people understand risks that could have deadly consequences.” She added, “The evidence is clear: there is no safe level of sunbed use, yet too many young people are being exposed to a known carcinogen with little understanding of the risks.”
The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 already prohibits under-18s from using commercial sunbeds and mandates businesses to prevent such usage. However, evidence suggests that some operators continue to flout these regulations. The government aims to ensure that the law is strictly enforced to protect young people from the dangers of UV radiation emitted by sunbeds.
Personal Stories Highlight Risks
Louise Dodds, a melanoma survivor, shared her experience to underline the potential consequences of sunbed use. She recounted,
“My melanoma was found completely by chance during a private consultation for something unrelated, a mole that had become dark and itchy was removed quickly, and within a week I was told it was stage 1B melanoma.”
Her story highlights the unpredictable nature of cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, welcomed the government’s initiative, noting that “34% of UK 16-17 year olds use sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s.” She stressed the urgency of the situation, given the rising rates of melanoma in the UK, and urged people to avoid sunbeds to reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Economic and Health Implications
The government’s crackdown on sunbed use is part of a broader strategy to emphasize prevention in the upcoming National Cancer Plan. By addressing avoidable risk factors before they lead to serious health issues, the government aims to alleviate pressure on the NHS and improve patient outcomes. Prevention is not only beneficial for public health but is also crucial for creating a sustainable healthcare system.
In 2023, the UK recorded nearly a quarter of a million new skin cancer cases, costing the NHS approximately £750 million annually. Despite these figures, public awareness about the dangers of sunbed use remains low. A survey by Melanoma Focus revealed that only 62% of adults understand the cancer risks associated with sunbeds, and nearly a quarter of 18-25 year olds mistakenly believe that sunbeds reduce their cancer risk.
Consultation and Industry Impact
The upcoming consultation will gather input from businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises in the tanning industry. The government aims to balance public health protections with the economic impact on businesses, ensuring that any new requirements are feasible, enforceable, and lead to significant improvements in public safety.
Additionally, a call for evidence will be launched to determine whether further measures are necessary to reduce melanoma cases. Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, underscored the long-term damage of sunbeds, stating,
“A sunbed tan might only last a few weeks, but the damage can last a lifetime.”
She emphasized that the proposed regulations will help close dangerous loopholes and protect the public from illegal sunbed use.
As the government moves forward with these proposals, the focus remains on safeguarding the health of young people and reducing the burden of cancer on the NHS. The consultation process will play a key role in shaping effective and sustainable policies that prioritize public health while considering the needs of businesses within the tanning industry.
