Sun exposure is the cause of around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanomas in Australia. However, exposure to small amounts of sunlight is also essential to good health. A balance is required between avoiding an increase in the risk of skin cancer by excessive sun exposure and achieving enough exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
Recent research has shown some Australians have been deliberately seeking sun exposure over summer because they are concerned about vitamin D deficiency.
In response to potential confusion over mixed messages about the risks and benefits of sun exposure, a collaboration of Cancer Council Australia, the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Osteoporosis Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists brought experts from around Australia to a roundtable in Melbourne in December, 2006, to review the latest evidence on vitamin D and develop this position statement.
The position statement explains the link between vitamin D and sunlight, summarises the health problems that can result from a vitamin D deficiency and outlines the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. It touches on recent claims about links between sun exposure and the prevention of a range of chronic diseases.
The statement also contains guidelines to tell Australians how much sun they need to avoid vitamin D deficiency and stay healthy without increasing their risk of skin cancer.