Some sun – but not too much is important for health – especially for elderly

New guidelines have been released to tell Australians how much sun they need to avoid vitamin D deficiency and stay healthy without increasing their risk of skin cancer. They follow research showing some Australians are deliberately seeking sun exposure over summer because they are concerned about vitamin D deficiency.

Chief executive officer of The Cancer Council Australia, Professor Ian Olver, says the new data shows the wrong people are concerned about vitamin D deficiency.

“The reality is too many Australians get too much sun in summer and increase their risk of cancer, while some people don’t get enough sun, particularly in winter, and risk vitamin D deficiency with possible serious health consequences.”

The Cancer Council has joined with other health experts from Osteoporosis Australia, The Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society to address the public’s confusion about Vitamin D deficiency.

“Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. But there are times when it’s actually important to leave your hat and sunscreen off.

“In winter, most people in the southern states – Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia – do not need to use sun protection during the day because UV Index levels are not high enough to cause significant skin damage.

“In summer, most Australians get adequate vitamin D levels in just a few minutes through the sun exposure they receive during typical day-to-day outdoor activities.

“However, those likely to be at risk of vitamin D deficiency include people with very dark skin, people who are housebound or in institutionalised care such as the elderly, women who wear concealing clothing for cultural purposes, and breastfed babies of vitamin D deficient women,” he said.

Vitamin D levels can be checked through a simple blood test, and inadequate levels can be easily treated with supplements, rather than additional exposure to UV radiation. Anyone who thinks they may be vitamin D deficient should seek medical advice, not seek more sun.

‘The risks and benefits of sun exposure’ can be found at www.cancer.org.au/positionVitD