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| 'No doubt' sunbeds cause cancer | 'No doubt' sunbeds cause cancer |
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| There is no doubt using a sunbed or sunlamp will raise the risk of skin cancer, say international experts. | There is no doubt using a sunbed or sunlamp will raise the risk of skin cancer, say international experts. |
| Previously, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessed sunbeds and sunlamps as "probably carcinogenic to humans". | Previously, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessed sunbeds and sunlamps as "probably carcinogenic to humans". |
| But it now says their use is definitively "carcinogenic to humans". | But it now says their use is definitively "carcinogenic to humans". |
| Campaigners believe the move, announced in the journal Lancet Oncology, will increase pressure for tighter industry regulation of sunbed use. | Campaigners believe the move, announced in the journal Lancet Oncology, will increase pressure for tighter industry regulation of sunbed use. |
| The new assessment puts sunbed use on a par with smoking or exposure to asbestos. | The new assessment puts sunbed use on a par with smoking or exposure to asbestos. |
| However, the Sunbed Association in the UK said there was no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer. | However, the Sunbed Association in the UK said there was no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer. |
| SKIN CANCER: THE FACTS Find out more about skin cancer rates in the UK | SKIN CANCER: THE FACTS Find out more about skin cancer rates in the UK |
| The IARC is an expert committee that makes recommendations to the World Health Organization. | The IARC is an expert committee that makes recommendations to the World Health Organization. |
| It made its decision following a review of research which concluded that the risk of melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer - was increased by 75% in people who started using sunbeds regularly before the age of 30. | It made its decision following a review of research which concluded that the risk of melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer - was increased by 75% in people who started using sunbeds regularly before the age of 30. |
| In addition, several studies have linked sunbed use to a raised risk of melanoma of the eye. | In addition, several studies have linked sunbed use to a raised risk of melanoma of the eye. |
| The charity Cancer Research UK warned earlier this year that heavy use of sunbeds was largely responsible for the number of Britons being diagnosed with melanoma topping 10,000 a year for the first time. | The charity Cancer Research UK warned earlier this year that heavy use of sunbeds was largely responsible for the number of Britons being diagnosed with melanoma topping 10,000 a year for the first time. |
| In the last 30 years, rates of the cancer have more than quadrupled, from 3.4 cases per 100,000 people in 1977 to 14.7 per 100,000 in 2006. | In the last 30 years, rates of the cancer have more than quadrupled, from 3.4 cases per 100,000 people in 1977 to 14.7 per 100,000 in 2006. |
| Age limits | Age limits |
| Proposals to ban people under the age of 18 from using sunbeds are under consideration by the government in England. | Proposals to ban people under the age of 18 from using sunbeds are under consideration by the government in England. |
| FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme | FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme |
| A similar ban has already been approved in Scotland. | A similar ban has already been approved in Scotland. |
| The Sunbed Association (TSA) supports a ban on under-16s, but argues there is no scientific evidence for a ban on young people aged 17 or 18. | The Sunbed Association (TSA) supports a ban on under-16s, but argues there is no scientific evidence for a ban on young people aged 17 or 18. |
| Jessica Harris, Cancer Research UK's health information officer said: "The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now and so we are very pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category. | Jessica Harris, Cancer Research UK's health information officer said: "The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now and so we are very pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category. |
| "This backs up Cancer Research UK's advice to avoid sunbeds completely for cosmetic purposes. They have no health benefits and we know that they increase the risk of cancer." | "This backs up Cancer Research UK's advice to avoid sunbeds completely for cosmetic purposes. They have no health benefits and we know that they increase the risk of cancer." |
| Ms Harris called for ministers to implement a ban on under-18s using sunbeds immediately, and to close salons that are not supervised by trained staff. | Ms Harris called for ministers to implement a ban on under-18s using sunbeds immediately, and to close salons that are not supervised by trained staff. |
| Simon Davies, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust said: "We are concerned that young people are using sunbeds more and more to get a tan and would urge them to avoid them at all costs." | |
| Kathy Banks, chief executive of the Sunbed Association, said: "The relationship between ultraviolet exposure and an increased risk of developing skin cancer is only likely to arise where over-exposure - burning - has taken place. | Kathy Banks, chief executive of the Sunbed Association, said: "The relationship between ultraviolet exposure and an increased risk of developing skin cancer is only likely to arise where over-exposure - burning - has taken place. |
| "However, research has shown that over 80% of sunbed users are very knowledgeable about the risks associated with over-exposure to ultraviolet and the majority of sunbed users take 20 or less sunbed sessions a year." | "However, research has shown that over 80% of sunbed users are very knowledgeable about the risks associated with over-exposure to ultraviolet and the majority of sunbed users take 20 or less sunbed sessions a year." |
| A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Sunbeds can be dangerous - we must ensure that people who use them do so safely. If necessary we will look at new laws to protect young people." | A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Sunbeds can be dangerous - we must ensure that people who use them do so safely. If necessary we will look at new laws to protect young people." |
| Do you use sunbeds? Have you been affected by the issues raised here? Send us your comments and stories using the form below. | Do you use sunbeds? Have you been affected by the issues raised here? Send us your comments and stories using the form below. |
| The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions | The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions |