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On the Relationship Between Sun Exposure and All-Cause Mortality

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Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1268))

Abstract

Increasing sun exposure is related to lower prevalence of death in cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and other noncancer non-CVD. In this chapter we aim to make a short update on the knowledge regarding sun exposure and all-cause mortality. Data support the hypothesis that low sun exposure habits are a major risk factor for all-cause mortality. Low sun exposure is related to an increased risk of death due to CVD and noncancer/non-CVD, and a minor reduction in risk of cancer. Active sun exposure habits have a dual effect; it increases the incidence of skin cancer, but also improves the prognosis in terms of all-cause mortality. In a low solar intensity region, we should carefully assess both risk and benefits of sun exposure in order to obtain balanced recommendations.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Sciences and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Sodersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden

    Pelle G. Lindqvist

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden

    Pelle G. Lindqvist

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  1. Pelle G. Lindqvist
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Correspondence to Pelle G. Lindqvist .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Clinical and Experimental Photodermatology and Department of Dermatology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany

    Jörg Reichrath

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Lindqvist, P.G. (2020). On the Relationship Between Sun Exposure and All-Cause Mortality. In: Reichrath, J. (eds) Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1268. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46227-7_5

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