A recent article by A Midwestern Doctor critiques the prevailing dermatological advice to avoid sun exposure due to the risk of skin cancer. The author argues that this stance is overly simplistic and possibly harmful and driven by a profit agenda. The most deadly forms of skin cancer are often correlated with a lack of sunlight, rather than too much. The article emphasizes that sunlight is one of the most important nutrients for the human body, producing Vitamin D synthesis and improved mood, suggesting that sun exposure is healthy and necessary.
The author recounts personal observations and scientific findings to suggest that moderate sun exposure may be more beneficial than the strict avoidance recommended by mainstream dermatology. They also critique the influence of the sunscreen industry and its impact on public health guidelines.
The article serves as a call to reconsider current dermatological practices and recommendations regarding sun exposure, advocating for a new understanding of the sun's health benefits versus its risks.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer types and their relationship with sun exposure involve complex interactions between UV radiation, skin cells, and individual risk factors. The main types of skin cancer include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common form of skin cancer. It arises from the basal cells in the lowest part of the epidermis. BCCs are slow-growing and rarely metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). They are strongly associated with chronic sun exposure, especially in people with fair skin.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCCs come from the squamous cells, which are just above the basal cells in the epidermis. They are also linked to prolonged exposure to UV radiation and are more likely than BCCs to invade deeper layers of skin and metastasize if not treated early.
- Melanoma: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, originating from melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma's relationship with sun exposure is particularly complex. It is associated with intense, intermittent sun exposure and sunburns, particularly in childhood. Unlike BCC and SCC, melanoma has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body and is more aggressive.
Impact of Sun Exposure on Skin Cancer Mortality
While excessive sun exposure is a well-known risk factor for all types of skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers like BCC and SCC, moderate sun exposure has some protective benefits, especially against melanoma in terms of mortality rates. Here’s how:
- Vitamin D Synthesis: Sunlight is a significant source of Vitamin D, which has been shown to play a role in modulating the immune system and possibly reducing the risk of several types of cancers, including melanoma.
- Differences in Sunlight Exposure: Epidemiological studies have shown that outdoor workers, despite receiving more sun exposure, have a lower incidence of melanoma compared to indoor workers. This has led to hypotheses about "healthy sun exposure" that could help prevent melanoma through adequate Vitamin D production or other mechanisms.
- Latitudinal Variance: Studies have observed that people living in sunnier climates closer to the equator have a lower rate of mortality from melanoma, despite higher incidences of diagnosis. This suggests that regular, non-burning exposure to sunlight might help reduce the severity of melanoma, allowing the body to develop a tolerance or protective adaptation against harmful UV radiation.
These points highlight a need to reconsider the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer, suggesting that while protection against sunburns is important, regular, moderate exposure is beneficial for health and reduce the risk or severity of the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma.
Finally, a strong case can be made that the recommendation to avoid the sun was a result of the dermatology profession (with the help of a top PR firm) rebranding themselves to skin cancer fighters, something which allowed them to become one of the highest paying medical specialties in existence. Despite the billions put into fighting skin cancer each year, there has been no significant change in the number of skin cancer deaths.
Source: "Dermatology's Disastrous War Against the Sun" by A Midwestern Doctor
