Are we being too safe in the sun? How to balance the risks
Summary
This episode delves into the complex balance between sun exposure's health benefits and risks. Experts discuss the evolution of sun-related public health messaging, the role of Vitamin D, and controversial theories linking sun exposure to lower all-cause mortality. The conversation highlights the challenges of providing general advice given individual differences and the limitations of current scientific evidence.Episode description
When the sun shines, out come the warnings that we all need to be careful in the sun to avoid burning and the risk of skin cancer. There are, though, those who believe that sort of public health messaging isn't positive enough about the benefits of the sun.
As James Gallagher hears on the streets of Brighton, many of us know about the health benefits of vitamin d but new research suggests other benefits could be important for our health too.
Should we working harder to get a balance of taking care in the sun but making sure we get enough exposure to it?
James Gallagher looks at the evidence with Dr Richard Weller, Personal Chair of Medical Dermatology and Honorary Consultant Dermatologist at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Zoe Venables, a dermatologist with an interest in skin cancer epidemiology at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, and Dr Margaret McCartney, GP, expert in evidence-based medicine.
This episode is produced in partnership with The Open University.
Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Tom Bonnett Assistant Producer: Katie Tomsett Editor: Glyn Tansley