WITH around 55 sunbed outlets, Manchester has been targeted by Cancer Research as part of their ‘R UV UGLY?’ campaign, urging sunbed users to face the invisible damage inflicted on their appearance in pursuit of a tan.
Figures show that using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent.
A special skin scanning photo booth will be at the Arndale Centre from 24-26 February to raise awareness about the skin damage, premature ageing and health dangers of using sunbeds.
The specialist skin-scanning technology will show visitors a close up of the hidden damage lurking beneath the skin’s surface caused by over exposure to UV, both from sunbeds and the sun.
Visitors will get a print out of their skin scan portrait and skin specialists from sk:n will be on hand to offer a detailed account of the damage picked up by the UV scanner. They will also be handing out goodie bags from sk:n and fake tan brand Vita Liberata.
R UV UGLY?
The roadshow comes as rates of malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer - have tripled amongst 15-34 year olds in the North West since the mid 1980s. More than two people in this age group are now diagnosed with the disease each week.
Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh is backing the campaign. She said: “Young people should be paying more attention to the risks of skin cancer, as using a sunbed isn’t the answer for looking young and healthy.
“Premature ageing, sun damage and skin cancer aren’t a joke. I think Cancer Research UK’s challenge to people in Manchester to have a skin scan, will definitely help change perceptions about sunbeds.”
Not only do sunbeds make you look old and wrinkly before your time, figures show that using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent.
The R UV UGLY? roadshow will be at Manchester’s Arndale Centre from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 February, situated in the Lower Mall by Next.
