Deadly perils of sunbeds

OLDHAM’S director of public health is urging people to take care in the sun and avoid using sunbeds after a rise in skin cancer.

Alan Higgins spoke out after new figures showed that every day more than two people under 35 in Britain are diagnosed with malignant melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Legislation has just come into force which means businesses will face fines of up to £20,000 if they allow under-18s to use sun beds.

Mr Higgins said: “It is very concerning that skin cancer has increased so much across the country. This is a potentially fatal disease which traditionally has affected older people, but is now affecting more and more young people.

“It is important that people avoid getting sunburnt and understand that using sunbeds is not a safe alternative to tanning.

“Using a sunbed before the age of 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.

“Young women particularly need to take care since they are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma as young men. The good news is that the majority of cases could be prevented by making sure you don’t get sunburnt.”