Sunbed campaign targets schools

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School pupils are being educated as to the dangers of using sunbeds after a 14 year-old was seriously burnt

Schoolchildren are being given the chance to quiz skin cancer experts and victims over the dangers of sunbeds.

The Sunsmart campaign was launched at Bishop Gore Comprehensive in Swansea and will visit other schools in Wales.

It follows the case of Kirsty McRae who suffered 70% burns on her body and ended up on a drip in hospital after using a coin-operated sunbed in Barry.

Speaking after the event several pupils said the it had made them think twice about using them.

The events are being organised by Cancer Research UK, Tenovus and BMA Cymru.

Helen Crawford, 30, from Penllergaer in Swansea, who was diagnosed with skin cancer spoke to the Year 10 youngsters along with Dr Sharon Blackford, a dermatologist working in the city.

They highlighted the importance of sun protection and the dangers of sunbeds.

It certainly is an eye opener Will Garmey

"As I am fair-skinned, I rarely went on sunbeds and I don't enjoy sunbathing as I burn easily," said Helen, who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2008 after spotting an unusual mole on her foot had changed.

She had a skin graft and now has follow-up appointments every couple of months for the next five years.

"I had been on sunbeds a handful of times when I was younger, but I would never do that now - I am totally against them.

"I was never a sunbed worshipper, but I am so aware of the risk of skin cancer now, I would urge young people to stay away from them.

"And I would also like to highlight how important it is to be aware of mole changes and any unusual skin growths, and report them to your doctor as soon as possible."

Dr Blackford said Swansea had one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Wales.

Will Garmey, 15, said after hearing the presentation he would not use a sunbed again.

"It certainly is an eye opener. I have used a sunbed before but I would not use one again," he said.

Pupils were told about Kirsty McRae who suffered 70% burns

"I think it has been valuable because because I would not really have known about these dangers before."

Jay Aspinwall, 14, said he and some of his friends had used them before.

"It starts when you are old enough to go out with your friends on the weekend," he said.

"It's put me off - hearing from the woman who had skin cancer I think it would put many people off."

Richard Davidson of Cancer Research UK said: "There is convincing evidence to support a causal relationship between sunbed use and skin cancer, particularly with exposure before the age of 35 years.

"It has been estimated that sunbeds cause 100 deaths from melanomas every year in the UK.

"We are especially concerned by the use of sunbeds by young people as we know that younger skin is at particular risk.

"We believe that there should be a UK-wide ban on under-18s using sunbeds and a thorough regulation of sunbed operators.

"We would like the National Assembly to do all it can to regulate sunbed parlours in Wales and compel local authorities to issue licences regulating cosmetic sunbed premises."