Cancer
Low exposure to sunlight linked to higher risk of lung cancer
By Sue Mueller
Apr 29, 2008 - 9:56:42 AM

TUESDAY April 29, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study published in the Jan, 2008 issue of the Journal of Epidemiology Community Health suggests that exposure to sunlight may help prevent lung cancer.

The study led by Mohr SB from the University of California in San Diego and colleagues found lower levels of ultraviolet irradiance were independently associated with higher incidence of lung cancer in 11 countries.

For the study, the researchers investigated the association between latitude of UVB irradiance with age-adjusted incidence rates of lung cancer in 111 countries.

Latitude was associated positively with incidence rates in men and women.  UVB irradiance was inversely correlated with incidence rates in men and women.

UVB irradiance, a marker of vitamin D, has been associated with reduced risk of a number of cancers including breast cancer.  It has been estimated that taking high doses of vitamin D, which can be obtained by exposure to sunlight, can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 70 percent.