Sunbeds Bill will protect children and reduce number of skin cancer cases in Ireland – Fitzpatrick

Speaking at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Fine Gael TD, Peter Fitzpatrick emphasised the importance of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Bill 2013 in protecting the wellbeing of young people.

“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland. In 2010, 9,450 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland and 896 were diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of cancer.

“Up to nine out of ten cases of skin cancers are caused by Ultra Violet (UV) rays from the sun or sunbeds and as such the majority of these cancers can and should be prevented. Moderating exposure to UV rays will significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

“The incidence of cancer cases are due to double by 2040 and the fastest growing number of cancers are expected to be skin cancer. This is an area where we can and must take action.

“Sunbed use is as carcinogenic as smoking. In July 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) placed sunbeds in the higher cancer risk category and rated sunbeds to be as carcinogenic as tobacco and plutonium.

“Every year up to 28,000 young people in Ireland put their lives at risk by using sunbeds. In the long term, this legislation will contribute to a reduction in the incidence of skin cancers.