(I thought this CBC story from June 1, 2004 was interesting - this
researcher says that people are staying out of the sun to avoid skin cancer,
but in turn we are now Vitamin D deficient. Isn't this the real story that
needs to be told??? Janice)
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/06/01/sci-tech/sun_safe040601
Controversial safe sun idea gets under skin of experts
Last Updated Tue, 01 Jun 2004 16:36:22
TORONTO - For years, dermatologists have told people to wear sunscreen to
avoid skin cancer. But one researcher's controversial theory suggests
wearing sunscreen all the time could contribute to health problems.
Sun exposure is a major cause of skin cancer, but our bodies also use
sunlight to make and store vitamin D.
In his new book, The UV Advantage, Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University
said up to 60 per cent of people are at risk of bone and skin disorders
because they don't get enough vitamin D from their diet.
"If you're always wearing sun protection, if you're never exposed to direct
sunlight, you're at very high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency," said
Holick.
The jury is still out on whether chronic diseases such as osteoporosis,
multiple sclerosis, colon, breast and prostate cancer are caused by vitamin
D deficiencies, but some studies show at least an association.
Holick suggests five to 15 minutes of sun exposure, two to three times a
week to receive 1,000 units of vitamin D a day - an amount difficult to get
from diet, even with supplements.
Challenging the view there is no safe level of sun exposure got Holick
kicked out of the dermatology department at Boston University. He remains
the director of the university's vitamin D lab and admits he receives
research funding from the tanning industry.
Dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley of Halifax is worried people will be
confused by Holick's message.
"We don't know precisely at what level the amount of sun that you're going
to get is going to cause skin cancer," said Langley. "So I think that it is
potentially dangerous when you're making recommendations without clear
evidence."
Langley's advice is still to cover up and use lots of sunscreen. The amount
of sun that causes skin cancer varies by skin type.
Janice Reynolds
Saskatchewan, Canada
(who wonders, where is the balance in public health promotion?)
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