Skin cancer cases in Liverpool rise significantly
Liverpool City Council has appealed to the Government to change legislation to ban unlicensed sunbed salons as figures show skin cancer cases have more than doubled across the city.
Vital statistics
The council questioned over 900 people from Liverpool, predominantly women between 21-30, and found that as many as 83% were unaware that the use of sunbeds can increase the risk of skin cancer.
The research indicated that many women are striving to achieve the ‘Liverpool look’ – creating a ‘sunbed culture’ that has resulted in more and more women putting themselves at risk of developing skin cancer.
Additionally, research from the NHS has shown that new cases of malignant melamona has increased by 129% in Liverpool women – more than double the increase that has been seen nationally.
Roy Gladden, assistant cabinet member for adult social care and health, said:
“Liverpool has significant levels of sunbed use compared to other parts of the
country, yet the City Council currently has very few powers to
protect residents from the risks of using them.
“Currently anyone who wishes to provide related cosmetic-type practices
such as tattooing and cosmetic piercing must be registered
with their local council and adhere to
health and safety standards.
“In light of the risks associated with sunbed use, we believe
there is a strong case for including sunbed operators
in this list of compulsory registration schemes.”
The importance of an early diagnosis
Whilst 88.2% of skin cancer sufferers survive, failure to properly diagnose a melanoma can have severe consequences. Treatable melanomas can rapidly spread to other areas of the body and become life threatening if not analysed and treated.
Additionally there is a risk that harmless moles can sometimes be incorrectly diagnosed; leading to unnecessary biopsies and even chemotherapy.
If you feel that you have suffered needlessly, or that you face advanced stage melanoma because of a failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis, and you would like expert advice, contact the Hampson Hughes Solicitors Medical Negligence Team today on 0151 242 1025 or email
