HSE Warns of Rising Skin Cancer Cases Linked to Sunbed Use in Ireland

The Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland has issued a stark warning regarding the increasing incidence of skin cancer, which has surpassed 11,000 diagnoses annually. This alarming trend has prompted public health officials to advocate for stricter regulations on sunbed usage, paralleling measures taken in Australia, where commercial sunbeds have been banned since 2016.

Skin cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer in Ireland, with a significant proportion attributed to ultraviolet (UV) exposure from both the sun and artificial sources like sunbeds. Dr. Breeda Neville, a public health specialist with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), emphasized the preventable nature of the disease, stating, "The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, which means that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays and by not using sunbeds."

In light of this rising health crisis, the HSE is collaborating with the Institute of Public Health (IPH) to host an event aimed at addressing sunbed use in Ireland. During this event, experts will explore potential strategies to mitigate skin cancer risk.

Current legislation in Ireland prohibits the sale or rental of sunbeds to individuals under the age of 18, and the Programme for Government includes a commitment to assess options for a comprehensive ban on commercial sunbed use. Despite these measures, the HSE contends that the use of sunbeds is inherently dangerous, as exposure to UV radiation can severely damage skin cells, accelerate aging, and heighten the risk of developing skin cancer.

Craig Sinclair, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), noted the effectiveness of Australia's sunbed ban, stating, "The measure has enjoyed strong public support and has undoubtedly prevented thousands of skin cancers and delivered an estimated saving of over AU$64 million to the Australian health system."

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies UV-emitting devices, including sunbeds, as carcinogenic to humans. A pivotal IARC study highlighted that using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 can increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 75%.

Minister of State for Public Health, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has indicated that recent assessments of sunbed use in Ireland will inform the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan, which aims to provide actionable policy options to reduce the incidence of skin cancer. She stated, "We have recently undertaken a comprehensive assessment of sunbed use in Ireland. The findings will inform the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan and provide policy options to reduce skin cancer risk."

As the HSE continues to raise awareness about the dangers of sunbed use, the organization and its partners are prioritizing public education on sun safety and the long-term health implications of UV exposure. With the rising rates of skin cancer, the call for legislative action to ban commercial sunbeds may gain traction, reflecting an urgent need to protect public health in Ireland.