A research letter published in the British Journal of Dermatology argues that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is not the main cause of melanoma deaths in the UK—and that current sun-avoidance advice may be doing more harm than good. Authors Dr. Richard Weller and Jiayue Gu say the nation’s public health guidance needs a serious rethink.

Key Findings

Overestimated Risk Attribution
Current UK guidelines claim that about 86% of melanomas could be prevented through sun avoidance. The authors say that number is based on speculative or flawed data, relying on assumptions about past generations’ UV exposure and failing to account for overdiagnosis caused by increased screening.

Different UV Environments, Different Rules
Britain’s sun-exposure advice has long mirrored Australia’s “Slip, Slap, Slop” campaign, but the two countries have vastly different UV conditions. In the UK, the midday UV index rarely exceeds 6 even in midsummer and stays below 5 most of the year—far lower than Australia’s levels. The authors argue that advice suited to Australia’s extreme UV is not appropriate for Britain’s low-light environment.

Sunlight Exposure May Save Lives
Analysis of UK Biobank data shows that higher sun exposure correlates with lower all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among fair-skinned people. While there’s a modest increase in melanoma incidence with greater sun exposure, mortality rates do not rise. Similar studies in Sweden support the finding that too little sunlight can be a significant health risk in northern populations.

Vitamin D Isn’t the Full Story
People with higher vitamin D levels—an indicator of regular UV exposure—tend to have thinner melanomas and better survival outcomes. However, vitamin D supplements don’t replicate these benefits, suggesting that other sunlight-activated biological mechanisms play a protective role.

Incidence vs. Mortality: The Overdiagnosis Factor
Over the past several decades, melanoma diagnoses in the UK and U.S. have risen sharply, but death rates have remained relatively stable. The authors note that melanoma incidence is closely linked to wealth and dermatologist density rather than sunlight levels, pointing to overdiagnosis rather than an actual increase in deadly disease.

Rethinking the Message

The paper concludes that overstating the risks of sunlight has distracted from the real danger—intermittent, burning exposure—while ignoring the broad health benefits of moderate, nonburning sun. Weller and Gu call on public health authorities to recalibrate sun-exposure guidance to reflect the UK’s low-UV reality and to emphasize the difference between healthy, responsible exposure and sunburn.

They warn that continued “sun-avoidance at all costs” messaging may ultimately harm public health by contributing to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and vitamin D deficiency—all conditions that sunlight can help prevent.

Click here to read the entire letter in the British Journal of Dermatology.

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