Skin Cancer Misinformation

“These data, together with those for internal cancers and the beneficial effects of an optimal vitamin D status, indicate that increased sun exposure may lead to improved cancer prognosis and, possibly, give more positive than adverse health effects.”

—Proceedings from the National Academies of Science 2008

Getting a regular amount of sunlight is healthy, whether it’s outdoors or in a sun bed.  Moderate exposure to UV light benefits people with vitamin D deficiency and makes people feel good. However, a great deal of misinformation has been spread about the link between skin cancer and any amount UV exposure.

The truth may surprise you:

• Sunburns, not sun tans are linked to skin cancer
• Skin cancer is most common among those who work indoors, not outside
• Skin cancer appears most commonly on body parts not regularly exposed to sun

Safe, moderate exposure does not increase risk of melanoma skin cancer. And tanning indoors is even safer, because unlike exposure to the sun, the environment is controlled. In fact, the anti-cancer benefits of UV exposure highlighted be recent studies far outweigh the risks associated with over-exposure.