Friday, July 9, 1999 Published at 12:45 GMT 13:45 UK
Controversy over sun health claim
Life on the beach: a health tonic or a health risk?
Experts have hit out at a study which says the health advantages of exposure to the sun outweigh the risk of skin cancer.
A study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) says the danger of dying from skin cancer has been exaggerated and the potential benefits from the sun played down.
It says there are 2,000 deaths a year from all types of skin cancer and the number of reported cases, particularly of the most dangerous form - malignant melanoma - has doubled in the past 15 years.
The study says there is evidence that lack of vitamin D, which is linked to exposure to the sun, can cause bone problems, including childhood rickets, may reduce multiple sclerosis and depression and can treat skin conditions like psoriasis.
It says research also "tentatively" suggests deaths from coronary heart disease increase in the winter and may be related to exposure to sunlight.
Lounging in the sun
The researchers, from the University of Bristol, call for a review of current advice about reducing exposure to sunlight.
However, a spokeswoman for the HEA said: "There is more medical evidence to support the fact that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer than that it prevents other diseases."
"You don't need a lot of sun to get the vitamin D you need. Just five minutes a day will do which you can get walking to work. It doesn't mean you have to lie out in the sun," she said.
The HEA also says one of the studies mentioned by the researchers was misquoted.
They cite an Australian study which they claim shows use of sunscreens reduces vitamin D concentrations.
The HEA has received a letter from Professor Robin Marks who was behind the study, saying he has been misrepresented.
"The weather is getting good and people are thinking about going on holiday. This research is very badly timed and potentially damaging," said the spokeswoman.
"I don't think they have produced nearly enough evidence for saying that the health benefits of sun exposure outweigh the harmful effects, and it gives people an excuse to expose themselves to a very well established risk."