Objective
Recent reports on the association between low serum vitamin D and increased risk of cancer raised concerns about possible
adverse effects of primary prevention strategies for skin cancer. To evaluate if these reports may influence peoples’ sun
protective behavior, knowledge, and attitudes to the impact of sun protection on vitamin D.
Methods
Within a population-based survey in Queensland, Australia (5,611 participants, mean age 50.7 years (range 20–75); 48.2% men),
agreement with the statement that sun protection may result in not having enough vitamin D as well as factors associated with
agreement were assessed.
Results
Overall, 837 (15.0%) participants agreed that sun protection may result in not having enough vitamin D, 2,163 (38.7%) neither
agreed nor disagreed, and 2,591 (46.3%) disagreed with this statement. Factors associated with agreement included older age,
darker skin color, and attempt to develop a suntan within the past year.
Conclusion
These results suggest that future sun protection campaigns may need to address the issue of vitamin D and present ways to
achieve sufficient vitamin D levels without increasing sun exposure at least in countries with high UV radiation throughout
the year.
Keywords Vitamin D - Sun protection - Skin cancer prevention