Melanoma Focus and Teenage Cancer Trust share sunbed warnings

Two PIF members are working together to share information on the dangers of young people using sunbeds. Melanoma Focus and Teenage Cancer Trust have launched a joint social media campaign aimed at young people. The campaign outlines the risks of sunbeds and their link to melanoma skin cancer.

Information being shared by the charities include how melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer in young people and how it can be caused by overexposure to the UV light that comes from the sun and sunbeds. The campaign also highlights how it is illegal for people under 18 to use sunbeds in the UK. Sunbeds are estimated to cause 440 melanomas across all ages each year. The charities are urging everyone to steer clear of sunbeds and share the message that "no tan is worth your life".

Sunbed use trends among young people

The social media partnership comes after data released last month (May 2025) by Melanoma Focus found 1 in 3 of young people aged 16 to 17 are using sunbeds at least once per year and almost a quarter at least once per month. The charity's research also found: 

• Sunbed usage is on the rise among men. 4 in 10 men surveyed said they use sunbeds compared to 2 in 10 women.
• Sunbed use is high across the UK but highest in Greater London with more than half of respondents saying they use sunbeds once per year or more and more than 4 in 10 saying they use them once a month or more.
• 1 in 5 UK adults say they have used nasal sprays or injections intended to intensify their tan.

Read more about the social media campaign on the Melanoma Focus website here.