Sunbed UV rays cause cancer

It gives out the same type of harmful radiation as sunlight.

According to Cansa‘s head of health Prof Michael Herbst, it can cause your skin to age prematurely.

A tan is the body’s attempt to protect itself from the damaging effect of UV rays.

Sunbed tanning isn’t safer than tanning in the sun.

It may even be more harmful, depending on the strength of UV rays and how often you use a sunbed.

Skin type and the length of the sessions play a huge role.
The UV rays increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers.

A tan results from injury to the skin’s DNA; the skin darkens in an imperfect attempt to prevent further DNA damage.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is a group of cancers that develops over time in the upper layers of the skin.

This common skin cancer, distinguished from the less common skin cancer known as melanoma, spreads faster in the body.The first sign is usually the appearance of a lump on the skin that doesn’t heal fast.

“The damages done by the UV rays is not always visible and symptoms can take up to 20 years to appear,” says Herbst.

He suggests when any skin abnormality is noticed that hasn’t healed after four weeks, to see a doctor.

Cansa supports the ban the use of sunbeds by children U/18.

Herbst says they want to dispel common myths around cancer, specifically the common belief that using sunbeds or tanning booths does not cause skin cancer.