A British press report  added to mounting coverage of the thought that regular sun exposure reduces the risk for many forms of cancer — flying in the face of what dermatology and sunscreen industry lobbying groups continue to report.

“Scientists have linked a lack of sunlight to 15 types of cancer,” the Express in the United Kingdom reported. “In a series of ground-breaking studies experts have found evidence that sun exposure may protect against some forms of the disease, despite increasing the risk of skin cancer.”

The story continued, “One recent study, published in the journal Anticancer Research, assessed cancer cases in 100 countries along with rates of ambient ultraviolet radiation. More sunlight was “consistently” associated with reduced rates of many types of cancer including breast, cervical, colon, oesophageal, gastric, lung and two forms of lymphoma. In another study, published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control, death rates and cancer cases were analyzed in 263 Chinese counties alongside satellite measurements of sunlight. It found death rates for all cancers were reduced in areas where there was more sunlight. It also found incidence that some cancer types had the same correlation with ultraviolet light.”

Professor Ann Webb, a specialist on ultraviolet light at the University of Manchester, told the paper, “Humans evolved in a sunlit environment and our modern lifestyles are very much based indoors, so we are not getting our evolutionary exposure to sunlight. Studies suggest this could be increasing our risk of some cancers. It may be that sunlight and its role in the production of vitamin D may have a protective effect.”

Webb advises against the risks of UV overexposure — which is the same advice the sunbed community teaches. According to Webb, “It is better to have more frequent low-level exposures to sunlight rather than a sudden burst, and burning is definitely a sign of damage.”

Professor Lesley Rhodes, of Manchester University, who is researching the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin, told the paper, “We need to take these studies into account and we need to find a way of safely enhancing our exposure to the sun and our vitamin D levels. Our work hopes to find the right patterns of sun exposure to give us good levels of vitamin D without increasing the risk of skin cancers.”

To read the story click here.

SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can’t say in your tanning salon business.

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