Tanning beds stoking skin cancer rise: St. John's MD

The number of young people diagnosed with skin cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador is on the rise, according to a St. John's dermatologist.

Joe Coffey said he is diagnosing more patients in their early 20s and 30s.

"Typically we expect to see skin cancers in people in their 60s, but because of the tanning bed exposure and because of the outdoor activities that a lot of our patients are involved in we're seeing an accelerated number of skin cancers," he told CBC News.

The dermatologist held free skin-cancer screenings in St. John's on the weekend.

He says most skin damage happens before the age of 18.

He reminded people that a large percentage of harmful rays get through cloud and fog.

Coffey urges people to wear sunscreen whenever they are outdoors.