Marathon Runners have Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

An Austrian study recently published in the November issue of Archives of Dermatology (one of the JAMA/Archives journals) suggests that marathon runners, having more atypical moles and other skin lesions are at a higher risk for skin cancer than a comparison group of age- and sex-matched controls.

Regular exercise is strongly linked to improved health. However, there are existing evidences suggesting that that endurance exercise–including marathon running–may be linked to skin cancer and other severe illnesses.

During training and competition, marathon runners are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the most important environmental risk factor for the skin cancer melanoma. Endurance exercise also may suppress the immune system and increase the risk for malignant melanoma.

Then I guess if you are on marathon running be sure to lessen your UV exposure like running at the time of day that sunlight is low and regular use of water-resistant suncreens.

Find more details from the full report or get the article’s abstract.