Lifestyle
Low UV exposure linked to higher risk of breast cancer
By Sue Mueller
May 13, 2008 - 10:03:33 AM

TUESDAY MAY 13, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Vitamin D has been proved to be incredibly important when it comes to prevention of breast cancer.  Experts have suggested taking high doses of vitamin D may cut the risk of breast cancer by 70 percent.

Vitamin D is synthesized naturally in human body after the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays.  Epidemiologic studies linked lack of UV exposure to higher risk of breast cancer.

A new study published in the March 17, 2008 issue of Breast Journal showed there is an association between low ultraviolet irradiance and higher breast cancer risk.

The study led by Garland FC and colleagues from the University of California San Diego also found increasing increments in serum 25(OH)D in the range above 22 ng per mL were associated with incrementally lower incidence rates of breast cancer.

The researchers concluded "There was a protective effect of UVB irradiance on risk of breast cancer that was independent of fertility rate, proportion of the population overweight, alcohol intake, animal energy intake, and other covariates."