UV exposuie represents the most important risk factor for the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Additionally, assessment of sun exposure parameters has consistently shown an association between the development of malignant melanoma and short term, intense UV exposure, particularly burning in childhood. As a consequence, protection of the skin from UV exposure is an integral part of skin cancer prevention programs. However, more chronic, less intense UV exposure has not been found to be a risk factor for melanoma and in fact has been found in some studies to be protective. Moreover, 90% of all requisite vitamin D is formed within the skin through the action of the suna serious problemfor a connection between vitamin D deficiency and various types of cancer (e. g. , colon, prostate and breast cancers) has been demonstrated in a large number of studies. Hence, the - sociation between vitamin D deficiency and various internal malignancies has now opened a debate among dermatologists and other clinicians how to balance between positive and negative effects of solar and artificial UV exposure. The goal of this volume is to provide a comprehensive, highly readable overview of our present knowledge of positive and negative effects of UV exposure, with a focus on vitamin D and skin cancer.

From the reviews:

"Small print, information dense and richly referenced volume of the current knowledge on this controversial topic. The text covers history, epidemiology, biochemistry, histology, immunology, and molecular biology. Lactation consultants depend on advice from public health officials to counsel their clients as well as to care for their own families. They can confidently use the content of this book to pressure officials to formulate recommendations that are more in line with the needs of the general population, including breastfeeding babies." (Nicole J Bernshaw, International Lactation Consultant Association Print and Multimedia Reviews, August, 2008)

Autorentext
Jörg Reichrath is Professor for Dermatology and Deputy Director of the Clinic for Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology at the Saarland University Hospital in Homburg/Saar, Germany. Main research interests include photobiology, dermato-endocrinology and dermato-oncology. He is a member of numerous national and international scientific organizations, including the German Dermatological Society (DDG), the Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft (DKG), the German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group (DeCOG), and the European Society of Dermatological Research (ESDR). He has been awarded numerous prices including the Arnold-Rikli-price 2006. Jörg Reichrath received his academic degrees (Dr. med., venia legendi) from the Saarland University, Germany.

Inhalt
Sunlight, UV-Radiation, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer: How Much Sunlight Do We Need?.- Solar Ultraviolet Irradiance and Cancer Incidence and Mortality.- Vitamin D Status and Cancer Incidence and Mortality.- Sun Exposure and Cancer Survival in Norway: Changes in the Risk of Death with Season of Diagnosis and Latitude.- Optimal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels for Multiple Health Outcomes.- Ultraviolet Exposure Scenarios: Risks of Erythema from Recommendations on Cutaneous Vitamin D Synthesis.- At What Time Should One Go Out in the Sun?.- Epidemiology of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin CancerThe Role of Sunlight.- Ultraviolet Radiation and Malignant Melanoma.- Solar UV Exposure and Mortality from Skin Tumors.- Health Initiatives for the Prevention of Skin Cancer.- Sunscreens.- UV Damage and DNA Repair in Malignant Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.- Role of Viruses in the Development of Squamous Cell Cancer and Melanoma.- Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers and the Immune System.- Solar UV-Radiation, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer Surveillance in Organ Transplant Recipients (OTRs).- Histology of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.- Cytogenetics of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.- Molecular Biology of Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas.- Molecular Biology of Malignant Melanoma.- p53 Protein and Pathogenesis of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.- Apoptosis and Pathogenesis of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.- Treatment of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.