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Journal of Internal Medicine

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Edited by: Editor-in-Chief: Ulf de Faire
Print ISSN: 0954-6820 Online ISSN: 1365-2796
Impact Factor: 6.754

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Medicine & Healthcare


May 06, 2014

Avoiding Sunlight May Increase Risk of Skin Cancer in Northern Europeans, Study Shows

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is often cited as a cause of skin melanomas; however, research from Sweden suggests that low vitamin D levels caused by avoiding sunlight may be just as dangerous. The research, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, found that women who avoid sun exposure are at an increased risk of skin melanomas, with a two-fold increased mortality rate compared to those with the highest sun exposures.

The finding is the result of a longitudinal cohort study involving 29,518 Swedish women over 20 years. The women were recruited from 1990 to 1992 to answer a questionnaire on UV exposure, either from sun bathing or from tanning salons. They were also asked about their smoking habits, alcohol consumption and body mass index.

This questionnaire was followed up 20-years later. In that time there were 2545 deaths among the 29,518 women and this mortality rate was inversely related to sun exposure habits. The mortality rate among avoiders of sun exposure was approximately two-fold higher compared to the highest sun exposure group, resulting in excess mortality with a population attributable risk of 3%.

"The results of this study clearly showed that mortality was about double in women who avoided sun exposure compared to the highest exposure group,” said Dr. Pelle Lindqvist. “The mortality rate was increased two-fold among avoiders of sun exposure as compared to those with the highest sun exposure habits.”

Dr Lindqvist’s team suggests that insufficient vitamin D levels found in those who avoid sun exposure may be the mechanism that increases this mortality rate. The findings also clash with official advice from European countries that suggest restricting sun exposure.

“These recommendations are based on Australian guidelines which may be appropriate in areas with a high UV index such as Northern Australia,” said Dr Lindqvist. “However, following generally restrictive guidelines in Sweden, a country located at a northern latitude with limited sunshine and a low UV index, might not be optimal. In fact, our findings indicate that these guidelines may indeed be harmful in terms of overall health of the population.”