The American Academy of Dermatology is deeply concerned that recent reports linking the health benefits of vitamin D to unprotected sun exposure mislead the public about the very real dangers of sun exposure, the leading cause of skin cancer.

"While vitamin D may be one benefit of ultraviolet light (UV) exposure, the evidence that UV radiation from the sun causes skin cancer is overwhelming and convincing," stated dermatologist Raymond L. Cornelison Jr., President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Given the fact that the Department of Health and Human Services recently declared UV radiation produced by the sun as a known carcinogen, it is dangerous to mislead the public into thinking that sunlight is a safe and effective 'cure' for other health conditions."

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays -- UVA rays and UVB rays. The UVB rays are the sun's burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, or base layer of the skin. They also contribute to sunburns, skin cancer and skin aging. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which helps to protect you against the development and spread of cancer.

"People who practice proper sun protection and are concerned that they are not getting enough vitamin D should either take a multivitamin or drink a few glasses of vitamin D fortified milk every day," said Dr. Cornelison. "The dangers of exposing oneself to carcinogenic UV light from the sun, even for a few minutes, are firmly established, particularly since dietary intake of vitamin D can completely and easily fulfill our needs."

The AAD recommends that everyone practice a comprehensive sun protection program, including avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and reapplying it every two hours, and wearing sun-protective clothing.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime and it is one of the few cancers where the cause is known: overexposure to UV rays of the sun. It is estimated that 91,900 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) in 2003, and approximately 7,600 deaths will be attributed to melanoma this year. At this rate, one person dies of melanoma every hour.