Young people who use sunbeds are increasing their risk of life-threatening skin cancer by up to 75 per cent, Cancer Research UK has warned.

A survey for the charity indicated that 82 per cent of sunbed users first tried the tanning machines before they were 35.

An earlier review by the International Agency for Research into Cancer, published in 2006, found that people who start using sunbeds this young increase their risk of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent.

The poll of 4,000 people also indicated that one in three women had used a sunbed, and one in four men.

In launching its SunSmart campaign, Cancer Research UK said that overexposure to artificial ultraviolet (UV) light from sunbeds was as dangerous as burning in the sun. The intensity of some UV rays from sunbeds could be 10 to 15 times higher than that of the midday sun, it said.

Repeated exposure to UV damages the DNA in skin cells, which increases the risk of skin cancer and makes skin age faster.

Malignant melanoma is now the most common cancer in young adults aged between 15 and 34 and can be fatal. More women are diagnosed with melanoma but more men die from the disease. In Britain almost 9,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year, and more than 1,800 people die from the disease.

Rebecca Russell, the SunSmart campaign manager, said: “The results of our survey make for a stark warning to young people about the dangers of indoor tanning.

“You can't always see the damage that UV does straight away. It builds up over time. But every time you use a sunbed you are harming your skin and increasing your risk of skin cancer.

“Our SunSmart campaign has previously focused on the dangers of sunburn, which increases your risk of skin cancer. This year our key message is to alert young people about the damage sunbeds can do to their skin, especially if they have fair skin that doesn't tan easily.

“Cancer Research UK is particularly concerned about young teenagers using sunbeds and is working with the Government to review options for possible regulation of the industry.

“We would like legislation to prevent under-18s using sunbeds and to ban unmanned coin-operated sunbeds, which can attract under-age and vulnerable users.”

Professor Mike Richards, the Government's national cancer director, said: “The Cancer Reform Strategy explained that the number of people getting skin cancer is rising rapidly.

“It is a matter of particular concern that even children may be getting access to sunbeds and it is also important that they should have information about the dangers of excessive exposure to UV.”

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