Crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut teen cancer risk

New measures are being proposed to better protect young people in the UK from the dangers of sunbeds, with a focus on enforcing existing regulations and closing loopholes that allow underage access. The initiative is part of a broader National Cancer Plan aimed at improving cancer survival rates and reducing the burden on the National Health Service (NHS).

Cracking Down on Unsafe Practices

The upcoming National Cancer Plan will include proposals to ban unsupervised sunbed sessions and require businesses to verify the age of users with mandatory ID checks. Recent investigations have revealed that teenagers as young as 14 are accessing tanning salons, despite the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 prohibiting anyone under 18 from using commercial sunbeds.

Did You Know? The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies sunbeds as being as dangerous as smoking.

Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized the need for stronger protections, stating that “there is no safe level of sunbed use” and that the proposals aim to “crack down on rogue operators and ensure the law is properly enforced.”

The Risks of UV Exposure

Exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds carries inherent risks. The WHO has found 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. In 2023, almost a quarter of a million new skin cancer diagnoses were made in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £750 million annually.

The personal impact of skin cancer is significant. Louise Dodds, who is living with melanoma, described the shock of her diagnosis and the “brutal” procedures and waits for results within the NHS system. She stated that, knowing the dangers now, she “would never have taken the risk.”

Expert Insight: The government’s focus on prevention reflects a growing understanding that proactively addressing risk factors is crucial not only for public health but also for the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems facing increasing demands.

What Happens Next?

A consultation is planned to launch in Spring 2026, seeking input from businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises in the tanning industry. The government intends to balance public health protections with the potential impact on businesses, aiming for requirements that are proportionate and enforceable. A call for evidence will also be launched to determine if further action to reduce melanoma cases is warranted.

Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, warned that “a sunbed tan might only last a few weeks, but the damage can last a lifetime.” She highlighted that sunbeds deliver high levels of UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancers, especially for young people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current law regarding sunbed use?

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 bans individuals under 18 from using commercial sunbeds and requires businesses to prevent underage use.

What percentage of young people are using sunbeds despite the law?

34% of 16-17 year olds in the UK are using sunbeds, despite it being illegal for them to do so.

What is the fifth most common cancer in the UK?

Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK.

As these proposals move forward, it remains to be seen how the tanning industry will respond and what specific regulations will ultimately be implemented. Will increased awareness and stricter enforcement be enough to curb sunbed use and reduce the incidence of skin cancer?