Sun Exposure and Cancer Risk

This chapter covers epidemiologic evidence for the association of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with cancer, psychosocial and behavioral research on sun exposure and sun protection, and mixed messages regarding the role of vitamin D in influencing cancer risk. The focus is primarily on sun exposure, but indoor tanning is also covered. The evidence is convincing for a causal relationship between UV radiation and skin cancer, but there appears to be a protective association of UV radiation with some internal cancers, namely colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This association may or may not be mediated by cutaneous vitamin D production. Predictors of sun exposure and sun protection behaviors and recommendations for UV protection are reviewed. A summary of psychosocial and behavioral skin cancer prevention interventions and approaches for different target groups is presented and linked to theoretical models that help to explain behavior change.