Action on sunbeds welcomed as 48 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Leitrim – Naughten

In Health by Denis Naughten

Denis Naughten TD pictured with ICS head of advocacy and communications Kathleen O’Meara and Care to Drive volunteer Roddy C.

Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the Government’s commitment to introduce legislation on the use of sunbeds by the end of the year.

Speaking following a briefing by the Irish Cancer Society, Denis Naughten said: “I am delighted to lend my support to the Irish Cancer Society’s campaign to control sunbed use and welcome the commitment by the Government to publish legislation to regulate the use of sunbeds by the end of the year. After years of talking about this I am delighted such legislation will be forthcoming.

“We’ve all heard stories of children being brought to use sunbeds before making their first Communion and we must ensure this practice is stopped. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland with over 48 new cases in Leitrim alone during 2009. Sunbeds have been found to be as carcinogenic as tobacco yet despite this their use continues to be entirely unregulated.”

For more information on steps that can be taken to reduce the risk or prevent common forms of cancer log on to www.cancer.ie.