Health authorities recommend not using tanning booths due to the increased risk of skin cancer.

The Ministry of Health has issued an official recommendation to avoid the use of tanning booths due to a significant increase in the risk of developing melanoma, particularly among the youth population.

This warning coincides with the commemoration of World Melanoma Day, which is celebrated this Friday, and aims to raise awareness about the importance of properly protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiation to prevent skin cancer, a disease that in 2024 alone has caused 20,854 new diagnoses and 1,882 deaths in Spain.

In this way, the Health Ministry has emphasized that exposure to UV rays not only accelerates skin aging but can also seriously endanger people's lives.

The UV index should not exceed level 3

Therefore, it advises to avoid sun exposure when the UV index exceeds level 3, at which point the rays are "more harmful" to the skin.

It also recommends seeking shade, especially during the hours of maximum radiation, and wearing long-sleeved clothing or garments with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) included.

Health authorities also insist on the importance of wearing wide-brimmed hats that provide adequate protection for the face, neck, and ears, as well as sunglasses approved with the CE marking.

Regarding sunscreen, they recommend applying products with a protection factor higher than 50, reapplying every two hours and after sweating, bathing, or drying off.

The ABCDE Rule

The Ministry's statement reminds that early detection of skin cancer is possible through regular skin checks, paying special attention to changes in moles and spots.

Among the warning signs, the rule ABCDE stands out: Asymmetry, Irregular Borders, Varied Colors, Diameter greater than six millimeters, and Evolution or change in shape, color, or size. In the presence of any of these signs, experts recommend immediately consulting a doctor, as "better a false alarm than a late diagnosis".

Risk Factors

The Health Ministry has also warned about the proliferation of hoaxes, denialisms, and advice without scientific basis that can seriously compromise the health of the population.

While having fair skin, frequently exposing oneself to the sun, or using tanning booths are factors that increase the risk, health authorities emphasize that anyone can develop this disease regardless of their skin type.

For verified information, the Ministry recommends consulting reliable sources such as the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), the Spanish Multidisciplinary Group of Melanoma (GEM), Melanoma Spain, Soludable, the Ministry of Health itself, or the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).