There may be a relationship between the process that causes the body to tan and its defenses against skin cancer, according to a study conducted by scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and published in "Cell." Tanning has actually been found to prevent cancer tumors.
Jump directly to:
conventional view |
alternative view |
resources |
bottom lineWhat you need to know - Conventional View
• Researchers found that when skin is exposed to
sunlight, the body releases a
protein called p53, a well-known tumor suppressor.
• A previous study by the same
scientists found that when ultraviolet solar
radiation strikes the skin, it also triggers the breakdown of the protein POMC, which in turn triggers the release of a hormone that produces melanin and
causes the skin to darken (tan).
• When
p53 was injected into
skin cells, POMC production increased drastically.
• This may also explain the development of age spots, which are usually triggered by
stress, because the body also produces p53 as a response to stress-induced
DNA damage.
• The scientists also found evidence that p53 may trigger the release of endorphins, which are associated with feelings of pleasure. This may explain the phenomenon of sunshine addiction.
• Quote: "The number one risk factor for
melanoma is an inability to tan." - Senior Author David E. Fisher
What you need to know - Alternative View
Statements and opinions by Mike Adams, author of The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D• The idea that sunlight exposure causes
skin cancer is a persistent medical myth. What we now know is that ultraviolet radiation only promotes sunburns and
DNA damage when a person is chronically deficient in
antioxidant nutrition. Building up a tan and boosting your intake of antioxidants from berries and superfoods is the best way to prevent
sunburn and skin cancer.
• The skin
cancer industry is largely bankrolled by
sunscreen manufacturers who hope to de-educate people about the healing power of sunlight and scare consumers into buying more sunscreen.
• Most sunscreen products contain cancer-causing chemicals and petroleum derivatives. Using sunscreen has actually been found to
increase the
risk of skin cancer.
Resources you need to know
&bull The UV Advantage (Dr. Michael Holick)
http://www.uvadvantage.org/home.htmBottom line
• A protein that protects the body against tumors may also trigger its tanning response to sunlight.
Have comments on this article? Post them here:
people have commented on this article.
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: 
Now Available from 
