Sun far deadlier than previously thought

New research has found sunlight is even more harmful than previously thought. Ultraviolet rays already blamed for the premature ageing of skin are now believed to be a major tumour trigger.

Until now experts have believed type B ultraviolet (UVB) rays, which cause sunburn, were responsible for the vast majority of skin cancers. By comparison, the type A (UVA) counterpart, although a known carcinogen, was considered less harmful and associated with the leathery and wrinkled look of sun worshippers.

But Sydney University researchers claim to have shown for the first time that both cause cancer in equal doses.