The UV index and cancer incidence

Originally developed by Canadian scientists, the UV index is now a standard measurement of UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface. It is an open-ended linear scale, meaning that there is no upper limit and that, for example, a 4 on the UV index is twice as much radiation compared to when the UV index is 2. The purpose of the UV index is to enable informed choices about sun protection/avoidance as per the recommendations in the chart. In fact the UV index is weighted more heavily for wavelengths in the UV spectrum that cause more skin damage. It is therefore not a pure measurement of the quantity of radiation but a direct measure of the skin damaging potential of the UV radiation. The UV index is typically forecast for solar noon, the time in the day where the UV radiation is at its peak potential. Impressively, the UV index forecast is based on computer models that account for the effects of sun elevation and distance, stratospheric ozone, cloud conditions, air pollutants, surface albedo, and ground altitude.

Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on shades.

Getting lots of UV radiation causes skin damage and ages skin. A higher mean UV index has also been associated with increased incidence of melanoma in non-Hispanic whites. A prospective study of UV exposure and cancer incidence also confirms a higher incidence of melanoma in those receiving higher UV exposure. This same study however found a decreased risk of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and colon cancer with increasing UV exposure. The study also found significant protection from thyroid, pancreatic and squamous cell lung cancer at intermediate UV exposure levels. Over nine years this study found that UV exposure was inversely correlated to total cancer incidence. The authors hypothesize that the protective effect is due to vitamin D production that occurs in human skin under exposure to sunlight. Is it surprising that the benefits of sun exposure aren't nearly as well known as the risks? I clearly have not done a thorough literature search however there doesn't seem to be much information on UV exposure and total cancer risk. The benefits of UV exposure are possibly less established and have an unconfirmed mechanism which may contribute to the lack of publicity. Also various authorities on skin cancer encourage acquisition of vitamin D through dietary sources.