Some doctors are ignoring their own advice and indulging in dangerous sun-seeking behaviours, experts have said.
As many as one in 10 British physicians admit to using sunbeds, a small poll found.
Many do not check their skin as often as recommended and others say that they sunbathe or tan themselves.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) said the figures show that many doctors are putting themselves at increased risk of skin cancer.
The survey of 163 doctors, which is to be presented at the World Congress on Cancers of the Skin in Edinburgh, found that a third demonstrated sun-seeking behaviours such as sunbathing or tanning.
Only one in three had performed a skin examination on themselves in the last 12 months, despite recommendations from BAD to check skin monthly.
Female doctors were more likely to protect themselves against the sun by wearing hats or applying suncream but, despite their caution, were more likely than male physicians to have burned in the last year.
The researchers, from Sandwell and West Midlands Hospitals NHS Trust and North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said sun safety advice should be distributed more widely to medical professionals .
Researcher Dr Jingyuan Xu, from Sandwell and West Midlands Hospitals NHS Trust in Birmingham, said: "The attitudes and behaviours of doctors don't just impact on their own wellbeing, but can have an influence on how these messages are relayed to patients and the wider public .
"It's very important that people are aware that ultraviolet radiation from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, and that they understand the benefits of enjoying the sun safely.
"It is worrying that a large number of doctors are not looking after their skin in the sun, and only a third of them are checking their skin for cancer. This is a fairly simple thing to do and can make all the difference when it comes to detecting potential skin cancers early."
Matthew Gass, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "Most people enjoy spending time in the sun to one degree or another. However, it's important to enjoy the sun responsibly, taking necessary precautions and avoiding getting sunburnt.
"It's disappointing that some doctors are not following the advice that they should be passing on to others. Particularly worrying is the fact that 10% of those questioned admitted to using sunbeds. We would hope by now that most doctors would recognise that if you are looking to get a tan, it's much safer to get it from a bottle."
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/doctors-taking-risks-sunbeds-230145531.html
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