Abstract:
There is scientific evidence demonstrating an
association between sunbed (tanning bed) use and subsequent
development of melanoma. The risk of melanoma skin cancer for
individuals who ‘ever used’ sunbeds has been reported to increase by
20%, and by 40% if sunbeds were used before the age of 35 years. In South Africa (SA), skin cancer is among the top 10 cancers and
causes ~300 deaths per year. The cost of diagnosis and treatment of
skin cancers in SA public and private healthcare settings is estimated
at >ZAR90 million per year.
