Young people warned against using sunbeds

The Faroese health authority has issued a warning about the dangers of sunbeds, citing a rise in skin and melanoma cancer cases linked to their use, particularly among young people.

In a social media campaign, the Faroese Health Directorate (Heilsustýrið) highlighted the risks of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbeds, stressing that regular use increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.

“Our concern is that sunbed use is becoming more common,” said Noomi Gregersen, director of the Health Directorate. She noted that while Faroese law prohibits sunbed use for those under 18, surveys from 2022 show that many young people still use them regularly.

Rókur Akralíð, a dermatologist at the Faroese National Hospital, confirmed that the Faroe Islands has a disproportionately high rate of skin and melanoma cancer compared to its climate. “When I returned to the Faroes, I was shocked by how much skin cancer there is here—sunbeds are a major contributor,” he said.

Both Akralíð and Gregersen emphasized that sunbeds offer no health benefits. UV exposure damages skin cells, and repeated damage over time significantly raises cancer risk. “The more you expose your skin to UV radiation, the greater the chance of developing skin or melanoma cancer,” Akralíð warned.

The Health Directorate’s campaign aims to dispel myths about sunbed safety and urge young people to avoid them entirely. Further details will be discussed in a morning broadcast featuring both Gregersen and Akralíð.