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UK to Ban Teen Sunbed Use by 2027 Amid Cancer Surge

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The UK Department of Health and Social Care will crack down on illegal sunbed use by teenagers under 18 as part of the National Cancer Plan, citing rising melanoma rates.
The new regulations will require proof of age and ban unsupervised sessions.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said there is no safe level of sunbed exposure.
The measures could be implemented by 2027 and aim to protect young people from avoidable cancers.

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Story summary

The UK Department of Health and Social Care will crack down on illegal sunbed use by teenagers under 18 as part of the National Cancer Plan, citing rising melanoma rates.
The new regulations will require proof of age and ban unsupervised sessions.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said there is no safe level of sunbed exposure.
The measures could be implemented by 2027 and aim to protect young people from avoidable cancers.