Sunbed users are planning to spend more time under tanning lamps this summer because they cannot afford to go abroad, according to new research.
Caroline Wilson
Sunbed users are planning to spend more time under tanning lamps this summer because they cannot afford to go abroad, according to new research.
Cancer charities have expressed alarm that the recession may be fuelling a rise in "binge tanning" from sunseekers who are determined to obtain a golden glow on home turf.
One-third (34%) of more than 2000 people surveyed said they were less likely to go on a summer holiday this year due to the recession, and almost one-fifth of sunbed users said they planned to increase their usage.
The survey comes as figures show the number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma has quadrupled in the UK since the 1970s. Cancer charities believe the growing use of sunbeds will spur a further rise.
Malignant melanoma is now the most common form of cancer in women in their 20s, having overtaken cervical cancer.
Cancer Research UK, which runs an annual SunSmart campaign, warned that the pursuit of a tan can have lasting and often deadly consequences for skin.
The intensity of some UV rays from sunbeds can be up to 15 times higher than that of the midday sun, and using a sunbed once a month or more can increase the risk of skin cancer by more than half.
Sunsmart campaign manager Katy Scammell said: "As the recession takes its toll on people's holiday plans, what is clear is that a tan is still something that many people value and aspire to.
"Using a sunbed may seem like a cheap, quick fix to achieve that summer glow, yet while the process may only take a few moments, the damage can last a lifetime. Exposure to these harmful rays increases your risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
"Not only do the harmful rays increase your risk of skin cancer, but they also lead to premature ageing and the appearance of lines, wrinkles and coarse, leathery skin. If you really can't do without a tan this summer, then the best option is to fake it."
Almost one in three of those questioned said they would be disappointed if they did not get a tan. A total of 46% said a tan made them look healthier, and more than one-fifth said they felt more attractive.
YouGov surveyed 2182 adults online between April 17 and 20, and 2276 adults online between April 24 and 27.
The latest figures show 340 women in their 20s were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2005. Around 50 women under the age of 40 die from the cancer each year out of a total of 1800 deaths caused by malignant melanoma in people of all ages.
Earlier this month, it emerged that a 10-year-old girl had suffered burns over 70% of her body after spending 16 minutes on an unsupervised sunbed.
Kelly Thompson had to be treated overnight at a burns unit in Swansea, and her mother called for an investigation.
The case emerged as the Health and Safety Executive changed its advice for operators of sunbeds in Wales and England. It recommended that people under 18 should not use sunbeds, and that all coin-operated salons should be supervised by trained staff.
New laws banning under-18s from using sunbeds were passed by MSPs at Holyrood in June last year. Salons in Scotland face a £100 fine if they are caught letting people younger than 18 use sunbeds.
