Sunlight: Friend, Foe, or Both? Unraveling the Truth About Sun Exposure and Health, By Mrs. (Dr) Abigail Knight (Florida)

For decades, we've been told to fear the sun. Slather on sunscreen, cover up, and avoid those harmful UV rays at all costs, or risk deadly skin cancer. But what if this narrative is not only incomplete but dangerously misleading? A provocative report by medical researcher A Midwestern Doctor challenges the conventional wisdom, arguing that sunlight is not the villain it's been made out to be. Instead, it's a vital component of health, and avoiding it may do more harm than good. So, where does the truth lie? As with most things in life, it likely comes down to balance, too much sun can increase certain risks, but too little can undermine your health in profound ways. I investigate the science, the history, and the practical steps to find that sweet spot.

The mainstream narrative is clear: sun exposure causes skin cancer, and avoiding it is the key to staying safe. Dermatologists, public health campaigns, and sunscreen manufacturers have drilled this message into us for decades. Yet, A Midwestern Doctor's report highlights startling contradictions. Outdoor workers, who get 3–10 times more UV exposure than indoor workers, have lower rates of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. A 20-year Swedish study found that sun avoidance increased the risk of premature death by 60%, particularly from heart disease and cancer. These findings suggest that sunlight might not be the universal danger we've been led to believe.

Skin cancer is often presented as a monolithic threat, but the reality is more nuanced. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which accounts for about 80% of skin cancer cases, is almost never fatal. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is treatable with a 95% survival rate. Melanoma, while more dangerous, isn't as closely tied to sun exposure as we've been told, melanomas often appear on sun-protected body parts, and sunscreen use hasn't consistently reduced melanoma risk. In fact, some studies suggest sunscreen might increase it. Meanwhile, sun exposure is linked to lower rates of deadly cancers like breast and prostate cancer, and it offers benefits like improved mood, better blood flow, and a stronger immune system.

So why the disconnect? The answer lies in a mix of fear-driven messaging, financial incentives, and a medical industry that's not always as altruistic as it seems.

A Midwestern Doctor's report traces the origins of our sun phobia to a calculated rebranding effort by dermatology in the 1980s. Once a field focused on mundane issues like acne and rashes, dermatology transformed itself into a lucrative "cancer-fighting" specialty. With the help of a New York ad agency, dermatologists positioned themselves as skin cancer experts, launching mass screening events and promoting fear of the sun. The result? A billion-dollar industry built on biopsies, surgeries, and sunscreen sales.

One of the most profitable tools in this arsenal is Mohs surgery, originally designed to spare tissue in delicate areas like the face. Between 1992 and 2009, its use in Medicare patients surged by 700%, despite evidence that it often provides no added benefit over simpler, cheaper treatments. Costs for Mohs can reach $20,000, compared to a few hundred dollars for alternatives. Private equity firms have further fuelled this trend, acquiring clinics and choosing profit over patient care, sometimes even targeting vulnerable populations like dementia patients in nursing homes.

The report also uncovers a darker chapter: the suppression of ultraviolet blood irradiation (UVBI), a once-promising therapy for infections and autoimmune diseases. In the mid-20th century, UVBI was sidelined in the U.S. after the American Medical Association, unable to secure the rights to the technology, conducted a flawed study to discredit it. Other countries continued using UVBI with success, but American patients were left in the dark. This pattern of dismissing effective treatments for financial or political reasons is a recurring theme in modern medicine, according to the report.

Sunlight does far more than produce vitamin D, though that alone is critical, vitamin D deficiency is linked to higher risks of cancer, heart disease, and immune dysfunction. Beyond vitamin D, sunlight regulates circadian rhythms, which govern sleep, mood, and overall health. It also emits infrared light, which studies suggest improves microcirculation, enhancing blood flow in ways the heart alone cannot. Sun exposure has been shown to halve rates of breast and prostate cancer and reduce mortality in smokers, a group particularly vulnerable to chronic diseases.

A Midwestern Doctor argues that sunlight even "structures" water in our tissues, a concept rooted in emerging research on the biophysics of water and its role in cellular health. While this idea may sound esoteric, it aligns with the broader point: sunlight is a fundamental biological necessity, not a luxury we can afford to avoid.

To be clear, excessive sun exposure isn't harmless. Chronic, intense UV exposure,like sunburns, not casual time outdoors, can increase the risk of BCC and SCC, though these are rarely life-threatening. Melanoma, while less common, is a serious concern, but its relationship with sun exposure is complex. For example, melanomas often appear on areas like the back or legs, which see less sun, and indoor workers have higher rates than outdoor workers. This suggests other factors, like genetics or environmental exposures (e.g., fluorescent office lights, which one study linked to doubled melanoma risk in women), may play a larger role than UV rays alone.

Sunscreen, marketed as the ultimate protection, is another gray area. While it may reduce the risk of BCC and SCC, it doesn't consistently prevent melanoma. Some studies even suggest that sunscreen use correlates with higher melanoma rates, possibly because it encourages prolonged sun exposure without adequate UVA protection or because of potentially harmful chemicals in certain formulations.

So, how do we reconcile the benefits of sunlight with the risks? The key is moderation, informed by evidence rather than fear. Here are practical steps to optimise your sun exposure while minimising harm:

1.Get Regular, Moderate Sun Exposure: Aim for 15–30 minutes of midday sun exposure several times a week, depending on your skin type and location. Fair-skinned individuals need less time; darker-skinned individuals may need more. Avoid burning, redness is a sign you've overdone it.

2.Know Your Skin Type: The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types from I (very fair, burns easily) to VI (very dark, rarely burns). Adjust your exposure based on your skin's sensitivity. For example, Type I skin may need just 10–15 minutes, while Type IV or V can tolerate more.

3.Time It Right: Midday sun (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) provides the most UVB rays for vitamin D production. In northern latitudes or during winter, you may need longer exposure or supplementation.

4.Protect Strategically: Use hats, clothing, or shade for prolonged outdoor time, especially in intense sunlight. If using sunscreen, choose mineral-based options (zinc oxide) with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and avoid chemical sunscreens with questionable ingredients like oxybenzone.

5.Monitor Your Skin: Check for changes in moles or new growths, but don't panic. Most skin cancers are treatable if caught early. Seek a second opinion before agreeing to invasive procedures like Mohs surgery, especially for non-melanoma cancers.

6.Question the Narrative: If a dermatologist recommends frequent screenings or aggressive treatments for minor skin changes, ask for evidence. Understand the difference between BCC, SCC, and melanoma, and don't let fear drive unnecessary procedures.

7.Supplement Wisely: Vitamin D supplements can help in low-sunlight seasons or regions, but they don't replace sunlight's full spectrum of benefits. Aim for blood levels of 30–50 ng/mL, and consult a doctor for personalised dosing.

The war on sunlight is a case study in how fear can distort science and drive profit at the expense of health. Dermatology's rebranding as a cancer-fighting specialty, coupled with the suppression of therapies like UVBI, reveals a system that often prioritises revenue over results. By lumping all skin cancers under one terrifying label, the industry has created a culture of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, leaving patients scared and poorer.

But knowledge is power. By understanding the benefits and risks of sun exposure, you can make informed choices. Sunlight is not your enemy, it's a cornerstone of human health, from boosting your mood to reducing your risk of deadly diseases. At the same time, reckless overexposure isn't the answer. The truth lies in balance: embracing the sun's gifts while respecting its power.

For a deeper dive into the science and history behind these claims, A Midwestern Doctor's full report, Dermatology's Disastrous War Against the Sun, is a must-read. It's a sobering look at how medicine can lose its way, and a call to reclaim our relationship with the sun. And as usual, no medical advice offered here; for information purposes only.

https://www.vigilantfox.com/p/the-biggest-sun-myth-ever-told

https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/dermatologys-disastrous-war-against-f81