Health experts warn against using sunbeds in the North East and Teesside
There's a rise in the number of online searches relating to sunbeds
Last updated 2nd Aug 2024
There are fears a record number of people in the North East and Teesside are risking their health by using sunbeds to get a tan.
New research by cancer specialists at The Devonshire Clinic analysed the latest search trends to reveal a big spike in popularity over the past four years.
In 2020, the term sunbed (and over 500 related keywords, such as sun beds near me and tanning beds) was searched an average of 165 thousand times a month in England.
In 2024, this rocketed to 443 thousand – that's a 167.81 percent increase.
In the North East and Teesside, Durham had the biggest rise in online searches relating to sunbeds since 2020 with more than 150 percent - the third highest in the country.
Tyne and Wear came second with 147 percent and Northumberland third with 90 percent.
Dermatologist Dr Conal Perrett said: “Sunbeds can pose a really significant health risk, and their growing popularity is really concerning.”
“14 years ago, I discussed research that found teenagers who use sunbeds are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
“The fact that now, almost a decade and a half later, sunbed popularity is actually rising is incredibly distressing.
“Using sunbeds can also increase skin aging, leading to premature wrinkles and skin damage, so while you may be happy with your looks right now, in the long run, all you're doing is making things worse down the line.
“I really urge people to consider the health risks if they’re tempted to use a sunbed, it could just save their life.”