Solarium users under 35 years of age showed a 98 per cent increased risk of skin cancer a major

study has revealed.

Dr Louisa Gordon, a Scientist at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), said 21

studies investigating solarium use and increased risk of skin cancer clearly showed solarium use

was dangerous.

"Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. QIMR has estimated the new number of

cases of melanoma attributable to indoor tanning devises is in the range of 12 - 62 per year," Dr

Gordon said.

"We believe approximately 1,000 melanomas and up to 12,000 Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)

could be avoided in the next generation of young Australians if the Government instigated more

stringent industry regulations."

Not only is this a significant health risk, the research, commissioned by the Australian Radiation

Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) found stronger industry standards could save

Medicare approximately $300,000 per 100,000 people.

"The growth of the solaria industry in Australia has increased four-fold since 1992. Given the current

burden imposed by skin cancer, future growth in the solaria industry will continue to inflate this

human and economic cost in years to come."

Dr Gordon's research has also debunked the myth sunbeds were a safe alternative to outdoor

tanning.

"All ultraviolet radiation causes damage at a cellular level. Solaria are a source of UVA and UVB

and therefore it is likely to still contribute in the development of skin cancers," she said.

Dr Gordon made the announcement during the official launch of the 2008 Suncorp SunWise

Campaign which aims to promote prevention and the dangers of sun exposure during a 12 month

state wide program.

Suncorp SunWise Ambassador and Australian swimming champion Brooke Hanson has thrown her

support behind the education program inspired by her meeting solarium skin cancer victim, Clare

Oliver.

"I met Clare at a gala event in Melbourne in 2004 and she was just like any other young woman -

energetic, gorgeous and passionate about life," Brooke said.

"Clare explained to me her ongoing battle with melanoma but that she was in remission and excited

to have a second chance. I thought she would be fine.

"When I heard she had died it took a long time for it to sink in. She was a beautiful young woman

who was battling a life threatening disease. No one deserves to go through so much pain and die at

such a young age.

"More than 2,311 melanomas are diagnosed among Queenslanders in a 12 month period, which is

a sobering statistic considering it is a largely preventable disease.

"It's very important to me to tell kids especially, it's the damage you do to your skin as a young

person that sets the platform for the rest of your life. I'm so thankful my parents drilled it into me as a

kid and I'll make sure I do the same when I have a family of my own."

Joining Brooke at the Suncorp SunWise launch was Gold Coast mother Tracey Eather, whose 25

year old daughter Amanda died in November 2007 after a two year battle with Melanoma.

"Amanda was a beautiful, happy and energetic mum and wife with the world at her feet but this

devastating disease stole her life," Ms Eather said.

"I promised Amanda I would be her voice and grant her wish for Melanoma awareness. I hope by

sharing my daughter's story today I can help people of all ages become more vigilant about

protecting themselves against the sun and potentially reduce the incidence of skin cancer."

Suncorp has been a major sponsor of the skin cancer research laboratories at QIMR since 2004

and has raised close to $1 million to help make significant discoveries in the fight against skin

cancer.

The 2008 Suncorp SunWise Campaign will continue to support this partnership with a variety of

initiatives designed to inspire action in preventing skin cancer. Programs include the Suncorp

SunWise Sunscreen Fundraiser, Suncorp SunWise Shady Parks Program, Suncorp Shade Tent

Lending Program and the Suncorp Shade Tree Planting initiative.

Rugby League great Shane Webcke, another Suncorp Sunwise Ambassador, will conduct a

regional tour of Queensland as part of the Suncorp SunWise Grant Scheme. The project invites

community groups and not-for-profit organisations to nominate for the chance to win a Suncorp

Shade Tent valued at more than $4000 each.

"Most melanomas are treatable if detected early so I urge everyone to get involved because not

only is protection vital - early detection could save your life," Ms Hanson said.

For more information on the Suncorp SunWise Campaign and SunWise activities scheduled across

Queensland visit www.suncorp.com.au/sunwise.

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