Rising Awareness of Skin Cancer in Preston

PEOPLE are becoming more aware of skin cancer according to beauty salons in Preston.

Salons have seen an increase in demand for tanning treatments as clients have become alert to the damage of UV rays.

Julie Simpson, 31, therapist at Clarelle Beauty, Penwortham said:

“The demand for spray tan is ongoing, they are really popular. People are aware of the damage the sun and sunbeds can cause. Spray tan is a safer way of getting a tan than these tanning injections on the market at the moment.”

Photo courtesy of Flickr

MELANOTAN

Beauty salons have offered a stern warning about the tanning injections, not just for the health hazard but also as it could affect their business.

The increasing popularity of the injections may affect the turnover of clients receiving tanning treatments.

Ms Simpson said the injections could be seen as a quick fix way to achieve a lasting tan. She added:

“Some clients can’t be bothered to prepare their skin for a spray tan. They have to exfoliate and this seems like a chore. The spray tan fades whereas the injections give a permanent tan and are quicker to use than fake tan."

SKIN CANCER

Linda Robinson, proprietor of Beauty Basixs salon, Freckleton said sunbeds are beneficial for some people if used within set guidelines. UVA and UVB rays are said to improve psoriasis but also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Two hundred new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed daily in the UK. Every 4 hours, a person dies from skin cancer.

Rebecca Russell, manager of Cancer Research UK SunSmart Campaign Manager said: “Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.”

Statistics show an increased risk of skin cancer with the number of diagnoses doubling in twenty years.

More than 8,000 people have malignant melanoma each year in the UK. Four out of five cases are preventable according to the British Skin Foundation but around 1,800 people die every year.

Skin cancer scares have led to a rise in the demand for tanning and bronzing treatments. Consumers in the UK spend £41million annually.

A spokesman for Famous Dave’s Tanner said: “Our sale figures for self-tanning products continue to increase annually.”

REACTION IN PRESTON

Rachael Stopes, 18 , Ashton, uses fake tan before a girl's night out. She said: "I wouldn't put my health at risk by using sunbeds. It's too artificial and not worth the risk."


Rachael Stopes prefers getting a tan out of a bottle

Beverley Webster, 47, a receptionist from Fulwood said she had used sunbeds in the past, but stopped because of her age.

"I didn't really think of the skin cancer factor, it was more due to my skin starting to look a bit leathery. I now use tan towels as I don't want to damage my skin."

Paul Darwell, 27, a CCTV engineer from Deepdale said he doesn't worry about the damaging effects of UV rays. He uses a sunbed twice a week to maintain his tan. He said: "I like going on the sunbed. I find it relaxing. It makes me feel good, and I feel better."

PALE TO BRONZE

British popular culture has seen a move away from a pale and interesting English rose, and moved towards glamorising bronze beauties.

A golden tan is synonymous with health and vitality in the UK and yet a suntan is actually a sign of skin damage.

Bronzing contrasts with the trend in Asia where women bleach their skin white. Many women in countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines use a skin-whitening cream to look ‘beautiful’ and ‘healthy’.

View a slide show of the effects of harmful UV Rays.