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Former Sunbed Worker's Cancer Warning
13 Nov
Summary
- Young student developed melanoma after 18 months of sunbed use.
- Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with cases rising in the UK.
- New regulations aim to stop misleading health claims about sunbeds.
A 22-year-old student, Erin McCallion, received a devastating melanoma diagnosis after using sunbeds regularly for 18 months. Working at a sunbed shop since January 2025, she took advantage of discounted sessions, initially tanning for 10-12 minutes weekly, believing it posed no risk.
In February 2026, Erin noticed a raised freckle on her calf that had grown darker and more prominent. By July, she consulted her GP, leading to a referral to hospital dermatologists. A biopsy in August confirmed stage 1B melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer with rapidly increasing cases in the UK.
Erin, from Dumbarton, West Dumbartonshire, now shares her story to warn others about the dangers of sunbeds, emphasizing that even infrequent use can be risky. This comes as the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) cracks down on misleading advertisements promoting supposed health benefits of sunbeds.
Experts advise using the ABCDE rule to detect melanoma: Asymmetrical, Border irregularities, Colour variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Enlargement or Elevation. Other signs include swollen, sore, bleeding, itchy, or crusty moles. Erin underwent surgery on September 30, 2026, and awaits results on whether the cancer has spread.
