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13/05/2010
Sunbed Bill To Illuminate Risks
Young people in NI are to enjoy better protection against possible side effects of using artificial tanning on sunbeds.
The first stage of a Bill aimed at preventing the use of sunbeds by young people under 18-years-old was passed at the Assembly today.
Introducing the Sunbeds Bill, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said the purpose was to reduce skin cancer cases and deaths by regulating the sunbed industry and ensuring everyone is aware of the risks.
Research shows that using sunbeds before the age of 30 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by up to 75% and the mortality from melanoma due to sunbed use alone is estimated to be about 100 deaths per year in the UK.
"Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for 28% of all individuals diagnosed with cancer.
"While the rise in skin cancer rate is not entirely due to the use of sunbeds, there is now substantial evidence of the increased risks," he explained.
"People who use sunbeds not only increase the risk of contracting skin cancer but also face further problems such as premature ageing.
"As well as ensuring that the sunbed industry is properly regulated, this bill aims to reduce the use of sunbeds overall, and in particular, stop young people from using them in the first place. It will also ensure that more people are aware of the potential risks to their health from using sunbeds."
A formal consultation was carried out from 19 November 2009 to 19 February 2010 to seek views on whether and by what means the sunbed industry should be regulated in Northern Ireland.
A total of 46 consultation responses were received. In general, the responses supported the regulation of the industry.
(BMcC/GK)
The first stage of a Bill aimed at preventing the use of sunbeds by young people under 18-years-old was passed at the Assembly today.
Introducing the Sunbeds Bill, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said the purpose was to reduce skin cancer cases and deaths by regulating the sunbed industry and ensuring everyone is aware of the risks.
Research shows that using sunbeds before the age of 30 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by up to 75% and the mortality from melanoma due to sunbed use alone is estimated to be about 100 deaths per year in the UK.
"Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for 28% of all individuals diagnosed with cancer.
"While the rise in skin cancer rate is not entirely due to the use of sunbeds, there is now substantial evidence of the increased risks," he explained.
"People who use sunbeds not only increase the risk of contracting skin cancer but also face further problems such as premature ageing.
"As well as ensuring that the sunbed industry is properly regulated, this bill aims to reduce the use of sunbeds overall, and in particular, stop young people from using them in the first place. It will also ensure that more people are aware of the potential risks to their health from using sunbeds."
A formal consultation was carried out from 19 November 2009 to 19 February 2010 to seek views on whether and by what means the sunbed industry should be regulated in Northern Ireland.
A total of 46 consultation responses were received. In general, the responses supported the regulation of the industry.
(BMcC/GK)
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02 March 2011
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has welcomed a recent announcement by the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, that a new bill to stop under 18s using sunbeds has been passed by the Assembly.
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has welcomed a recent announcement by the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, that a new bill to stop under 18s using sunbeds has been passed by the Assembly.
19 November 2009
Sunbed Ban For Minors Supported
Support is flowing in for a proposal to ban the use of sunbeds for minors and also for ending unstaffed tanning facilities. The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has launched a consultation on new regulations to help prevent skin cancer.
Sunbed Ban For Minors Supported
Support is flowing in for a proposal to ban the use of sunbeds for minors and also for ending unstaffed tanning facilities. The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has launched a consultation on new regulations to help prevent skin cancer.
29 April 2014
Business Fined For Under-18 Sunbed Session
A Belfast business that allowed a person under 18 to use a sunbed has been issued with a £250 fixed penalty by Belfast City Council. The penalty followed a Council test purchasing exercise at seven premises with sunbed facilities on Friday 25 April.
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22 May 2019
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
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The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
09 September 2011
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
