Staying out of the sun has downside

Sunbathing is about striking a balance

An Australian campaign to reduce skin cancer by persuading people to stay out of the sun may have led to vitamin D deficiencies.

However, supporters have warned that the findings do not mean that sunbathing is a healthy pursuit.

We need to balance the need for sunshine against the risk of skin cancer

Professor Caryl Newson

The "slip, slop, slap" public health campaign has been a great success in a country where the heat of the sun is particularly intense, and where the rate of skin cancer is the highest in the world.

Campaigners advised sun worshippers to "slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat". The message has been mimicked across the world.

However, doctors have discovered that the drive to keep people out of the sun may have had a downside too.

A study found that nearly one in four women is deficient in vitamin D.

This can result in skeletal deformities in children, and muscular weakness and frail bones in adults.

Limited exposure

Researcher Professor Caryl Newson stressed that limited exposure to the sun had health benefits.

Fatty fish, meat, milk and eggs are all sources of vitamin D, but sunshine is also an essential source.

Professor Newson said: "We need to balance the need for sunshine against the risk of skin cancer."

She will now repeat her study to find out if men are suffering from the same problem.

A spokesman for the Australian Cancer Council said in most cases even the most vigilant were getting enough sun for vitamin D purposes.

He said: "I don't think this study is suggesting the important "slip, slop, slap" message be abandoned."

It is estimated that one in two Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and each year more than 1,000 Australians die from the disease.