We gathered all the available studies that have measured both
sunlight exposure and mortality (death) rates. We were interested in
the overall number of deaths (by any cause), as well as deaths
specifically caused by cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Our findings are mixed. Exposure to sunlight has been reported both
to increase and to decrease your risk of dying. Alongside its harmful
effect on skin cancer, sunlight may help prevent other types of cancer.
However, there were issues with the amount of data available, as well
as the quality of some of the data that was available, so we can’t be
certain about the findings. Currently, there is not strong enough
evidence to alter sun exposure advice and so people should continue
to follow the guidance.