Calls for HSE sunbed awareness campaign to be extended beyond 2025

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in partnership with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners, is raising awareness of the serious health risks posed by sunbed use and Cllr Marie Casserly is calling for the danger of sunbeds campaign to be extended beyond 2025.

The campaign reinforces the message that sunbeds emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages skin cells and significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including the most dangerous type, melanoma.

Cllr Casserly said, “This campaign is delivering a vital public health message and has already reached millions of people. Given the dangers of UV exposure and the popularity of sunbeds, I am calling on the HSE to extend this awareness drive beyond 2025 to ensure the message continues to reach as many people as possible.”

Health experts warn that there is no safe way to use a sunbed and no such thing as a healthy tan. Even occasional use can accelerate skin ageing and cause irreversible damage.

The campaign’s primary channel is TikTok, supported by advertising on Snapchat and Twitter, with over 17.4 million impressions on TikTok and 6.1 million on Snapchat to date. Press activity will continue throughout the year.