IN THE CLEAR

Good news for cyclists, runners and triathletes who are planning an active getaway this autumn: a recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that exercising outside in the sunshine does not increase your risk of skin cancer, as long as prevention strategies are put in place. The experts are not certain why people who train outdoors are no more at risk than those who don’t, but physical activity in general has been shown to reduce cancer rates and boost the body’s cancer-fighting immune cells. Athletes may also be more conscientious about staying protected, in the same way they prioritise other elements of their health. So long as you apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply regularly if you’re sweating, exercising outside in the sun is nothing to fear.