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While many experts say to avoid the sun completely to avoid
cancer, the British Medical Journal posted an editorial that
concludes moderate sun exposure is a more prudent recommendation.
Sunscreens do not adequately protect against ultraviolet
A light, which is carcinogenic, and the authors state that
sunscreens should not be relied upon to prevent melanoma.
Further, sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D, which
reduces the risk of certain cancers. People in the United
Kingdom cannot synthesize vitamin during the winter months
due to decreased amount of sun exposure. The authors say that
people should get moderate sun exposure without sunscreen
in order to allow the adequate synthesis of vitamin D.
British
Medical Journal November 22, 2003;327:1228
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