Addressing the Stormont health committee yesterday, representatives of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said lives could be saved by stopping people using sunbeds.
Over the past 25 years malignant melanoma skin cancer cases in Northern Ireland have nearly trebled. The disease is now the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for 28% of all cancer diagnoses.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) is considering introducing new legislation on sunbeds in Northern Ireland.
The Sunbed Bill would prevent the use of sunbeds by people under 18 and ensure those who do use them are fully informed of the dangers.
Janice Smyth, director of RCN in Northern Ireland, said cancer nurses believe a complete ban is the best way to save lives.
"Of course not everyone who is diagnosed with skin cancer has used a sunbed but there is evidence to say that those who use sunbeds are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer," she said.
"Our skin cancer nurses are very clear about this. They see the effects on a daily basis. We believe there should be a complete ban and we will continue to fight for one."
The DHSSPS has so far resisted pressure for a ban, saying it wants to monitor the effectiveness of the proposed legislation as it currently stands.
The DHSSPS consultation report on the regulation of the sunbed industry states: "The Bill's primary objectives will be to prevent the use of sunbeds by persons under 18 years of age and to ensure that those over 18 years of age who intend to use sunbeds are better informed about the health risks of using sunbeds and have some degree of protection against the harm that can be caused by exposure to artificial ultraviolet radiation."
Ms Smyth added: "We would like the legislation to go further.
"If there isn't going to be a ban there should be a ban on the private use of sunbeds and establishments with sunbeds should be licensed rather than just registered."
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Irish Nursing Union Calls for a Ban on SunbedsOriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13588-irish-nursing-union-calls-for-a-ban-on-sunbeds
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