**Watford Woman Urges UK Sunbed Ban Following Advanced Cancer Diagnosis at 23**
A young woman from Watford is campaigning for a UK-wide ban on commercial sunbeds after her own life was upended by a stage four melanoma diagnosis at just 23. Lily Murphy, now 30, used sunbeds fewer than ten times, hoping for a “base tan” before a holiday with friends – a decision she now regrets, warning it brought grave consequences for her health and future.
Lily’s experience reveals the potentially serious dangers of seeking tanning through artificial ultraviolet (UV) light. Despite only brief sessions totalling less than an hour, her diagnosis forced her onto a long and challenging cancer journey. Initially cleared after her first treatment, Lily’s cancer tragically returned in 2023, spreading to her lungs and neck. Now facing lifelong treatment, her story comes as rates of skin cancer amongst young people continue to rise across the UK.
Working within the dermatology department at Watford General Hospital, Lily is acutely aware of the toll skin cancer is taking – both on individuals and the NHS. She notes a marked increase in referrals for biopsies, often linked to sunbed use by young people. Her professional insight, combined with personal ordeal, has spurred her to take action. Lily has launched a petition, inspired by countries like Australia and Brazil, where sunbeds are banned, arguing that the cost – human and financial – is simply too great. “Just going on a sunbed for six minutes can change your whole life,” Lily remarked, noting costs to the NHS are significant, with treatments such as immunotherapy amounting to £15,000 per round.
Her journey began with a seemingly innocuous mole that changed in appearance in 2018, becoming darker and eventually bleeding. At first, doctors reassured her there was nothing to worry about, prompting her to travel to Vietnam and Bali. She admits her approach to sun protection was less cautious then than it is now, often applying sun cream just once or twice per day. Upon her return, encouraged by a nagging sense of unease, she sought a second opinion. This time, she was referred on the urgent cancer pathway, and biopsy results revealed stage 1B melanoma – an early, treatable form.
After a successful operation in London to remove the mole and check her lymph nodes, Lily was initially relieved and hopeful. “I did think I’ve got another chance in life; let’s just go and have fun”, she recalls. But the respite was short-lived. In January 2023, feeling persistently unwell with fatigue and unexplained pain, Lily’s concerns were initially dismissed as anxiety. Yet, after further tests arranged by her mother and fellow hospital staff member, her worst fears were confirmed: the melanoma had returned and advanced to stage four.
Lily began immunotherapy last year, enduring gruelling side effects and severe complications, including a life-threatening bout of sepsis triggered by a weakened immune system. Despite these setbacks, recent adjustments to her treatment plan have begun to show encouraging results, shrinking tumours after just a few doses. Nonetheless, Lily admits she often requires breaks from the harsh drugs due to the overwhelming impact on her body.
Back at work on a phased return, Lily now books skin cancer biopsies herself and describes the experience as both challenging and fulfilling. “I can help people because I’ve had the experience of the worry,” she says, underscoring her determination to support others facing a similar diagnosis. Her petition to ban sunbeds in the UK quickly gained traction, attracting hundreds of signatures within weeks of launch.
In addition to legal measures, Lily believes there must be greater awareness and education about the dangers of UV tanning, particularly given the way social media influences perceptions of beauty. She points to the glamorisation of tanned skin and the availability of safer alternatives, maintaining that “your tan is semi-permanent, but your life should be permanent”.
Her colleagues at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have voiced admiration for Lily’s resilience and dedication. A spokesperson described her as an “inspirational colleague” whose strength and spirit continue to support both her team and the hospital’s patients during a difficult time.
Lily’s campaign is a stark reminder of the lasting impact sunbeds can have, even after very limited exposure. As debates continue over public health, personal responsibility and NHS resources, her story warns of the hidden risks behind a seemingly everyday beauty choice – and calls for decisive action to protect future generations from similar harm.