Could 'sunlight robbery' be causing cancer?
By Peter Pallot
(Filed: 18/04/2005)

British tanners recently received their annual stark warning from Cancer Research UK as it launched its SunSmart drive.

The focus by the Government-backed charity was on the threat posed by the most deadly form of skin cancer. Cases of malignant melanoma, which affect 7,300 people a year in Britain, causing 1,600 deaths, were rising sharply, said Professor Brian Diffey of Newcastle General Hospital.

By 2035 there could be 21,000 new cases a year as those badly sunburned in the 1980s and 1990s suffer the long-term effects, he said.

His claims are not disputed. But some specialists are coming to the view that, while excessive exposure and burning is unquestionably dangerous, people who diligently avoid sunlight could be increasing the risk of other cancers.

Doctors in Australia last month issued a statement sharply revising their sun exposure guidelines.

Professor Bruce Armstrong, of Sydney University, said: "It's a revolution. I have worked in public health and have been preaching sun avoidance for 25 years. But this statement says there are two sides to the story."

The Australian rethink was triggered by findings of widespread vitamin D deficiency in one of the world's sunniest countries. The Cancer Council of Australia said: "A balance is required in avoiding the risk of skin cancer and achieving enough ultraviolet radiation exposure to achieve adequate vitamin D levels."

The council said mild vitamin D deficiency was noted in 43pc of females and moderately severe deficiency in 11pc during winter in Geelong, near Melbourne.