More than a quarter of Brits still regularly use sunbeds despite long-known risks of skin cancer, new study reveals

Their link to skin cancer has been known about for years.

But sunbeds are still being used by more than a quarter of adults, with many unaware of the risk, a study reveals.

Top of the list are the young, who want tanned physiques like those of contestants on reality TV shows such as Love Island.

Experts at the charity Melanoma Focus said it is ‘crucial’ everyone understands the dangers involved.

The charity’s poll of 2,000 Britons aged 16 to 65 found that 28 per cent use sunbeds – peaking at 43 per cent among those aged 18 to 25. Some 62 per cent were aware that sunbed use can increase the risk of skin cancer, but a sizeable number – 38 per cent – did not know of the dangers.

Melanoma Focus has raised concerns about the numbers using sunbeds, which are now banned in the UK for anyone under 18 (stock image) 

In 2009, the International Agency For Research On Cancer classified the use of UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans.

Along with sun exposure, academics believe sunbed use is behind an increase in the numbers diagnosed with skin cancer. Sunbeds use high-intensity artificial UV radiation for quick tanning. But this can damage the DNA in skin cells which could lead to skin cancer, including melanoma – the most dangerous type.

Melanoma Focus has raised concerns about the numbers using sunbeds, which are now banned in the UK for anyone under 18. Chief executive Susanna Daniels said: ‘Sunbed use across the UK is alarmingly high and it’s shocking so many people don’t realise how dangerous they are.

‘Melanoma skin cancer rates are rising and it’s an increasingly serious health concern. We strongly advise against using sunbeds in order to protect your skin and reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma and other skin cancers.’

Along with sun exposure, academics believe sunbed use is behind an increase in the numbers diagnosed with skin cancer 

She added: ‘Our survey found that 43 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds are currently using sunbeds. We’d need further research to understand why the percentage is so high, but it may be down to the impact of tanned influencers and the number of tanning salons readily accessible.

‘Our data also shows that only half of 18 to 25-year olds know that sunbed use increases your risk of skin cancer.’ Georgia Edwards, 26, from Surrey, was diagnosed with melanoma at just 19. She said: ‘It came as a massive shock. I first went on a sunbed at 17 and then used them around four times a week.

‘I had no idea of the risks. I had to have major surgery. People think skin cancer only happens to older people after years of sun exposure but that’s not true.’

There are 17,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in the UK, and around 156,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer.