Fianna Fáil is considering a ban on sunbeds in order to protect taxpayers from ‘picking up the tab’ for an increase in skin cancer cases. 

According to the US Institute of Public Health, people under the age of 35 who use sun beds increase their risk of skin cancer by 75%. 

Skin cancer cases in Ireland have increased significantly in recent years, with around 1,100 people diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer annually. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, GP and Fianna Fáil health spokesperson Dr Martin Daly described melanoma as a “devastating” form of skin cancer. 

“It has a very high mortality rate and we’ve had a massive increase in the number of cases of melanoma in Ireland,” he explained. 

“And a projected increase of nearly 200% over the next 15 years. 

“Much of the increase in melanoma is linked to our exposure to UV light - which is essentially sunlight, overexposure and also the use of sunbeds.” 

A woman on a sunbed. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Dr Daly continued that people in Ireland need “much more awareness” about how damaging exposure to sunlight can be for their skin. 

On the question of a ban on sun beds, he said the party wants “to bring public opinion with us”, adding that an immediate ban could prove “detrimental”. 

“I think that we do need a public awareness campaign, we need to raise people’s concerns around the linkage of these sunbeds and the development of melanoma,” he said. 

“We know that if someone uses sunbeds before the age of 35, they have a 75% increased risk of developing melanoma subsequently. 

“I mean that is a stark statistic.” 

Cost of cancer

Dr Daly added that “fully respects” arguments around personal freedom, but that there were other important considerations. 

“The impact on our health service is also there,” he said. 

“In terms of the impact of the use of sunbeds and that direct link with the deadly form of cancer, melanoma. 

“So, when people take these decisions, they don’t take that in isolation. 

“Someone else does pick up the tab.” 

A working group in the Department of Health has been set up to consider what form a ban might take.

Main image: Man lying on a sunbed. Picture by: Alamy