Fun in the sun favors survival

The current study explored the association between sun exposure and melanoma outcome.

Physicians normally advise against excessive sun exposure due to the increased risk of skin cancer. However, recent studies have suggested that sun exposure may be associated with lower mortality rates among melanoma patients. The current study examined the effect of sun exposure on the development and outcome of melanoma.

691 melanoma patients completed a questionnaire detailing their time spent on vacation to sunny areas, time spent in tanning beds and overall time spent outdoors. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on when they completed the questionnaire. Group 1 patients were interviewed at diagnosis, and were asked about their sun exposure during the two years preceding diagnosis. Group 2 patients were interviewed 1 to 6 years following diagnosis, and were asked about their sun exposure during the two years preceding the interview (after diagnosis).

Among group 1, patients who frequently vacationed in sunny areas showed significantly thinner melanomas (known to be associated with better prognosis) compared to patients who did not spend time on sunny vacations. Only 8% of the frequently vacationing patients were diagnosed with very thick melanomas, compared to 20% of patients who did not visit sunny areas.

Among group 2, patients reported overall fewer sunny vacations, as well as less time spent outdoors in the sun, compared to patients in group 1. Interestingly, the rate of melanoma recurrence among group 2 patients was significantly reduced with sun exposure. Only 8% of patients who frequently vacationed in sunny areas experienced melanoma recurrence, compared to 17% of patients who did not spend time on sunny vacations.

This study concluded that sun exposure is associated with thinner melanomas, better prognosis, and lower recurrence rates.

The results of this study are based on subjective patient reports. In addition, several additional factors known to be associated with cancer prognosis such as lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status and quality of care were not accounted for in this analysis.

Consult with your physician regarding the potential benefit of sun exposure on melanoma outcomes.