The Irish Cancer Society has called on people to stop using sunbeds following a survey showing that nearly one in 10 people are regular users.
Launching its annual SunSmart campaign yesterday, the society said many sunbed outlets did not provide sufficient information for users or staff on the threat of skin cancer.
It advised people of the serious risk of skin cancer as a result of the use of sunbeds or any kind of UV tanning lamps. "Ireland Uncovered" is the campaign's theme. Advertisements across the country show a melanoma - a malignant mole - in the shape of Ireland.
Skin cancer, caused by exposure to ultra-violet radiation, is three times more common than any other form of cancer in Ireland, with over 5,500 cases diagnosed annually, according to the organisation.
A survey of 1,200 people, by Lansdowne Market Research, showed 9 per cent of the population were regular sunbed-users. Of these, 42 per cent were women aged from 15 to 34 years, and 15 per cent were men of the same age group.Forty-one per cent of regular users had pale or fair complexions, which are most at risk from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Dr Gillian Murphy, consultant dermatologist at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, said: "Many Irish people, especially young women, believe that getting a 'base tan' before going away on holiday, or the start of summer, will protect their skin from damage or enhance a tan gained from natural sunlight.
"This is not true. Tanned skin is damaged skin, whether the tan is obtained through sunbed use or by sunbathing on the beach." UVA radiation accelerated wrinkling, sagging and freckling to the skin and broken blood vessels.
"Most importantly, exposure to UVA radiation has the potential to cause skin cancer. Medical advice is to avoid the use of sunbeds for cosmetic reasons at all times," she said.
In the EU, Ireland has the third-highest number of cases of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Diagnosed at an early stage, it can be cured but, diagnosed later, it is more likely to spread to other organs and may cause death.
Ms Elaine Glynn, health promotion officer for the Irish Cancer Society, said: "The use of sunbeds in Ireland, particularly among young women, is worrying. We need to debunk the myth that a tan gained through sunbed use provides adequate protection from potential skin damage and skin cancer.
"In fact, relying on a 'base tan' to protect against the sun may place people at more risk if, as a result, they are more inclined to use a lower-factor sunscreen or not bother using other protective methods such as clothing, hats or sunglasses, or seeking shade at peak sun exposure times.
"We also need to look at Irish attitudes to tanning and tanned skin. The majority of Irish people have skin that is at a higher risk for skin cancer. Yet, each summer, as a nation we chase that elusive tan. As a society, we need to move towards the 'pale is beautiful' view. Our skins will be much happier and healthier for it."