Sunbed users in Streatham and West Norwood will be targeted by health campaign “hit squads” over the summer to raise awareness of the link between highly-addictive tanning salons and skin cancer.

Women aged between 18 and 24 will be approached by NHS Lambeth workers in Streatham and Norwood High Streets in May and June to advise them of the increased risks of getting cancer under the UV lamps.

If you’re under 35, using sunbeds will increase your risk of developing skin cancer by up to 75 per cent.

An NHS Lambeth spokesman said the problem of sunbed use was a concern because it is so addictive.

He said males who felt it was “macho” to go out in the sun without sun cream would be targeted in a campaign later on in the summer.

The campaign would focus on builders and other workers who spent a lot of time outside, he added.

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