WHO: Sun Blamed for 60,000 Preventable Deaths Annually

GENEVA, Switzerland, August 3, 2006 (ENS) - Up to 60,000 cancer deaths a year worldwide are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, the World Health Organization says in a new report. Simple prevention measures can avert much of this illness and death, the world health agency advises.

The most serious consequence of excess ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is malignant melanoma, which has high cure rates only if detected early. Up to 90 percent of the global burden of disease from melanoma and other skin cancers are estimated to be due to UVR exposure.

Of the 60,000 deaths, an estimated 48,000 are caused by malignant melanomas, and 12,000 by skin carcinomas.

"This global assessment of the health risks of UV radiation provides a good basis for public health action. We all need some sun, but too much sun can be dangerous - and even deadly," said Dr. Maria Neira, director for public health and the environment at the World Health Organization.

Sunbathers, like this woman on a Mexico beach, are advised to limit their time in the midday sun. (Photo courtesy Cozumen Homes)

WHO researchers found that more than 1.5 million disability-adjusted life years - a measure of the loss of full functioning due to disease and death - are lost worldwide every year due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The report, "Global Burden of Disease of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation," investigates nine adverse health outcomes from excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The main three, which cause the greatest burden of disease, are cutaneous malignant melanomas, and non-melanoma skin cancers developing in different cell layers of the skin - squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas.

In addition, ultraviolet radiation causes three eye problems - cortical cataracts, or eye lens opacities; pterygium, a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye; and rare squamous cell carcinomas of the eye.

Ultraviolet radiation also causes three skin problems - sunburn, skin photoageing, and reactivation of herpes of the lip, or cold sores, the World Health Organization report points out.

The report notes that ultraviolet radiation does have beneficial effects, mainly in the production of vitamin D following skin exposure to the UVB, the shorter wavelength component of UVR.

Adequate vitamin D prevents the development of bone diseases such as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis. The possible beneficial effects of sunshine on some cancers and immune disorders are under investigation.

Beach volleyball is fun, but not when it results in cancer. This Australian player wears a protective hat and sunglasses. (Photo courtesy RAAF)

"Fortunately," said Dr. Neira, "diseases from UV such as malignant melanomas, other skin cancers and cataracts are almost entirely preventable through simple protective measures."

A few easy-to-implement sun safety measures could prevent much of the cancer and other death and disease burden due to UV radiation, Dr. Neira says.

• Limit time in the midday sun
• Use shade wisely: seek shade when UV rays are most intense
• Wear protective clothing including hats and sunglasses
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of sun protection factor 15+
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlours; for youth under the age of 18, WHO recommends that they do not use them at all
• Know the UV index: when the UV Index predicts radiation levels of 3 (moderate) or above sun safety practices should be taken
• Protect children from the sun

Through the World Tourism Organization, WHO will be distributing information to all national ministries responsible for tourism, featuring its new UV flyer on healthy sun habits.