Madam, - The Irish Cancer Society has launched its Sunsmart campaign in its continuing battle against a major killer of Irish men and women (The Irish Times, May 27th). It reports that there are 5,000 cases of skin cancer identified each year, making it the commonest type of this feared disease. A study some years back found that we Irish were uniquely prone to skin cancer because of a particular genetic component.
In spite of this, we continue to allow "health studios" to operate throughout the land. Exposure to the UV radiation which these studios supply for tanning is roundly and unequivocally condemned by dermatologists and oncologists internationally as posing a serious risk of skin cancer, yet these businesses continue to ply their dangerous trade without hindrance, and quite free of any sort of regulation by health authorities.
Their advertisements blossom at this time of year in particular, in preparation for the annual rush to semi-tropical sun resorts, where ever more exposure to solar radiation is eagerly sought by Irish holiday-makers.
With malignant melanoma one of the most feared forms of cancer, and a known consequence of "tanning" exposure, isn't it time our health authorities took a hard look at these high-street establishments which promise a quick tan to gullible passers-by?
After all, we control the sale and availability of alcohol with a bookful of legislation. Cancer kills an awful lot more people than drink. - Yours, etc.,
DAVID GRANT,
Mount Pleasant,
Waterford.