1. Balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure: A revised position statement for Australian adults.
- Author
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Neale RE, Beedle V, Ebeling PR, Elliott T, Francis D, Girgis CM, Gordon L, Janda M, Jones G, Lucas RM, Mason RS, Monnington PK, Morahan J, Paxton G, Sinclair C, Shumack S, Smith J, Webb AR, and Whiteman DC
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Sunlight adverse effects, Australia, Vitamin D therapeutic use, Risk Assessment, Vitamin D Deficiency prevention & control, Vitamin D Deficiency drug therapy, Vitamin D Deficiency epidemiology, Skin Neoplasms etiology, Skin Neoplasms prevention & control
- Abstract
Objective: To describe the development of a new position statement regarding balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure for Australian adults., Methods: We conducted a Sun Exposure Summit in March 2021, with presentations from invited experts and a workshop including representation from academic, clinical, policy, and patient stakeholder organisations. The group considered advice about balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure for Australian adults and developed a revised consensus position statement., Results: The balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status., Conclusions: The new position statement provides sun exposure advice that explicitly recognises the differing needs of Australia's diverse population., Implications for Public Health: Mass communication campaigns should retain the focus on skin cancer prevention. The new position statement will support the delivery of personalised advice., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest David Whiteman reports a relationship with Pierre Fabre Australia that includes speaking and lecture fees. Peter Ebeling reports a relationship with Healthy Bones Australia that includes board membership. Peter Ebeling reports a relationship with the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research that includes board membership. Peter Ebeling reports a relationship with International Osteoporosis Foundation that includes: board membership. Peter Ebeling reports a relationship with the Asian Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis that includes board membership. Craig Sinclair reports a relationship with Cancer Council Victoria that includes employment. Christian Girgis reports a relationship with the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society that includes board membership. Christian Girgis reports a relationship with the University of Sydney that includes employment. Stephen Shumack reports a relationship with the Australasian College of Dermatologists that includes non-financial support., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)
- Published
- 2024
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