Overview

• The BMJ analysis led by melanoma specialist Paul Lorigan finds little evidence that tighter rules reduce harm and calls for an immediate ban with public education as the most cost‑effective option to ease NHS pressures.
• Web and social media audits identified 4,231 sunbed outlets in England and 232 in Wales, with higher densities in the North West and North East and in more deprived areas that also report higher melanoma rates in young people.
• Despite a 2011 prohibition for under‑18s, surveys show 34% of UK 16–17‑year‑olds and 43% of 18–25s use sunbeds, with many reporting weekly sessions.
• Ultraviolet radiation from sunbeds is classified as carcinogenic, and first use before age 35 is associated with a 59% increase in melanoma risk.
• Charity Melanoma Focus estimates around 100 UK melanoma deaths each year are linked to sunbed use, with more than 2,600 annual diagnoses among 25–49‑year‑olds in England and incidence projected to keep rising.