New official sun advice

26^th January 2011 - New official sun protection advice has been issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). It says being out in the sun can be good for you, but prolonged exposure can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

NICE points out that sunlight provides both a good source of vitamin D and the opportunity to be physically active outdoors. However, in new public health guidance it encourages a balanced approach to get people outdoors more, but making sure they use appropriate skin protection.

A rise in cases of rickets has been blamed on children covering up too much. 

In December last year, UK dermatologists and health charities issued a joint statement on the benefits of getting vitamin D from the sun.

Skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer is thought to account for around a third of all cancers diagnosed in the UK. Malignant melanoma is more serious and causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.

The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and the artificial light from sunbeds and lamps.

Sun myths

Research by the British Association of Dermatologists revealed the vast majority of people in the UK believe that skin cancer accounted for less than 10% of all cancers in the UK, while the actual figure is around 33%.

The research also showed that nearly half of us cannot recognise the key signs of skin cancer, such as a mole which is getting bigger or which has an irregular border or colour.

Simple actions

In a statement, Professor Mike Kelly, Director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE says: “There is nothing wrong with short periods of exposure to sunshine, and it may in fact be beneficial.

“The incidence of malignant melanoma in Great Britain has more than tripled since the 1970s and yet many people still underestimate the prevalence of skin cancer.”

Kelly hopes the guidance will raise awareness of the risks of UV exposure. “Simple actions can greatly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer - opting to stay in the shade, wearing protective clothing in the sun, avoiding too much sun during the middle of the day and using sunscreen can all have an effect,” he says.

Recommendations

NICE wants to ensure outdoor workers wear appropriate clothing to avoid getting sunburnt, including a hat that shades the face and back of the neck, where possible.

They should also be encouraged to stay in the shade when possible, especially during breaks and in the middle of the day (11am to 3pm).
When it is not possible to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing because of work requirements, they should be encouraged to wear a sunscreen with UVA (at least SPF 15) and UVB protection.

When designing new buildings, NICE suggests providing areas of shade created either artificially or naturally by trees. Shade should also be considered for communal outdoor areas.

Rare sunny days

Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, contributed to the guidance. She says in a statement: “For most people, avoiding sunburn is one of the best ways to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer. Many of us like to make the most of the UK’s rare sunny days and should be able to enjoy the sun safely. If we all make sure that our skin doesn’t redden or burn in the sun, it could help to reduce the rocketing number of people who develop skin cancer every year.”