The Surprising Truth About Sun Exposure, Sunburn And Skin Cancer

Even if it is not conclusive that they could be a direct contributory factor behind cancer, research has nonetheless revealed that sunscreen lotions do not offer protective benefits against melanoma. [1]

Conclusion

Putting everything together, it would seem that avoiding sunlight exposure altogether in a bid to prevent skin cancer is a very unwise thing to do. While overall skin cancer risk could be lowered with sun avoidance, melanoma risk would be elevated. Generally, the chances of dying from non-melanoma skin cancer are very low, while melanoma is much more likely to kill than other types of skin cancer. Melanoma is clearly the one which people should be more concerned about, and research has proven that lack of sunlight exposure is going to increase one’s risk of this condition.

On top of that, lack of sunlight exposure and vitamin D actually also increases one’s risk of contracting many other types of cancer. These include bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, gallbladder, kidney, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, stomach, thyroid cancers, as well as leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers. [1]

Using sunscreens is not the answer either, as it is associated with higher melanoma risk. At the very least, studies have shown it does not lower melanoma risk. [1]

On the other hand, irregular and excessive exposure to the sun could also raise melanoma risk, particularly when sunburn is involved.

Therefore, it would seem that the most commonsensical approach when it comes to sunlight, skin cancer, and cancer in general, is to expose oneself to sunlight on a regular and moderate basis. This is as opposed to intermittent overexposure, which would increase skin cancer risk, especially when sunburn takes place.

Gradual buildup of sun exposure is advisable, as is the avoidance of exposure during the periods of strongest sunlight, usually between 10am to 2pm. Those with lighter colored skin are more susceptible to sunburn and should take more care in building up their bodies’ resistance to sunlight. Those with darker skin, on the other hand, require more sunlight for their bodies to synthesize vitamin D.

Another effective but little-known way to reduce one’s risk of suffering from sunburn is to consume plenty of protective antioxidants in one’s diet or via supplements.

See next page for the references used.

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