Teenage Cancer Trust response to CAP action on sunbed claims
For years, Teenage Cancer Trust has warned of the dangers of sunbed misinformation. Today, we’re pleased to share that the Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP) has issued a UK-wide enforcement notice to “send a clear message to the industry that advertisers must not downplay the risks associated with sunbed use”.
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The notice reminds advertisers that ads for sunbeds mustn’t make health, or medical claims, link sunbed use to vitamin D production or suggest that sunbeds are safe.
In February, Teenage Cancer Trust worked with the BBC to highlight the dangers of sunbed misinformation about sunbeds.
New research carried out by Teenage Cancer Trust and published at the time found that 18 to 34s are the highest users of sunbeds in the UK (48%), with the top reason for using them during the winter (38%) being the hope that they will provide them with a ‘vitamin D boost’.
We welcome this latest news from CAP, who said: “Such claims are not only misleading but potentially harmful, particularly where they could encourage people to use sunbeds in the belief they offer health benefits or discourage them from seeking appropriate medical treatment.”
It is important to address potential causes including the use of sunbeds and tackle the misleading health claims around them.
Teenage Cancer Trust Health Information Manager, Rosie Vare said: “We know that sunbeds are as carcinogenic as tobacco so we welcome this new enforcement. It is a positive step forward and it’s really encouraging to see the risks around sunbed use taken seriously.
“With skin cancer being one of the most common types of cancer experienced by young people, it is important to address potential causes including the use of sunbeds and tackle the misleading health claims around them.
“We want young people to be properly informed about the risks of sunbed use and we recommend using trusted, regulated sources to find out information such as the NHS or cancer charities with accredited information.”
59%
Increased risk of skin cancer associated with sunbed use under the age of 35
48%
Number of 18 to 34-year-olds who use sunbeds