The New Relationship between Sunlight and Cancer
Recently, several theories on cancer have been challenged. Common knowledge endorses the idea that sunlight is bad for you. While it is true that overexposure to UV rays can be harmful, as in cases of over-tanning, a new study is suggesting that sunlight, in reasonable quantities, may actually be beneficial.
Over time, scientists have begun to notice high percentages of cancer in northern, developed countries while less-developed areas have exhibited fewer incidences of the disease. It has been assumed by many that industrialized countries contain more carcinogenic substances and pollutants, which lead to cancer.
According to the new study, however, such diseases “aren’t caused mainly by pollutants but by a vitamin deficiency” (Mittelstaedt, 2007). Vitamin D could be the missing link. In spite of this, simply taking multivitamins or drinking milk will not resolve this issue.
New theories on cancer prevention indicate that sunlight may trigger positive, cancer fighting chemicals in the body. That is to say, people actually generate Vitamin D by going outside into sunlight. (Bandeira, F., Griz, L., Dreyer, P. et al, 2006). Attaining Vitamin D through diet is not practical. An adult would “have to drink about three litres of milk a day” (Mittelstaedt, 2007). However, by spending 15 minutes each day in the sun during the summer and a bit longer in the winter, people can receive the amount of Vitamin D that they need to aid in disease prevention.
While sun overexposure can lead to skin cancer, the new study suggests that sun exposure to attain Vitamin D can aid in the defense of numerous other cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon. Current statistics indicate that “fifteen hundred Americans die every year from [skin cancers]. Fifteen hundred Americans die every day from the serious cancers” (Mittelstaedt, 2007).
References:
Bandeira, F., Griz, L., Dreyer, P, et al, 2006. Vitamin D deficiency: A global perspective. Vitamin D Council. Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17117289
Mittelstaedt, Martin. (2007) Vitamin D casts cancer prevention in new light. Globe and Mail. Retrieved May 2, 2007 from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070428.wxvitamin28/BNStroy