August 4, 2007 2:02 PM
Sunshine helps in the fight against breast cancer
As reported in Times Online:
Women who stay out of the sun are increasing their risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests.The safe-tanning messages that are drummed into women each year may help to reduce their risk of skin cancer – but at the cost of increasing their risk of breast cancer.
The majority of vitamin D comes from exposure of the skin to sunlight but many women – exposed less in winter and reluctant to bare themselves in summer because of the dangers – are deficient.
There has been anecdotal evidence to suggest that breast cancer is less common among women who live closer to the Equator, where the sunshine is stronger.
However a new study provides evidence that the lower the levels of vitamin D in a woman’s blood-stream, the greater the risk of her developing breast cancer if she has passed the menopause.
Of more than 1,000 women who took part in a trial, those who were given both calcium and vitamin D supplements had less than half the chance of developing breast cancer than those given a placebo
Read the rest of the story here.
Comments
A few years ago I came down with "Slapped Face" Disease which is one of the 5 measles. It triggered a skin condition (among other things) in my body. After much reading, I learned that the condition (and it is not exzema) is best treated by UV light. Sunshine. I am a Florida Native (rare thing) and growing up was exposed to a LOT of sunshine and peeling burns. After getting married and not having time to lay in the sun anymore and fearing skin cancers by then, I quit tanning. Now, I have to sun myself to keep the skin problem at bay. This research gives me a second reason to enjoy my "medicine".
Posted by: Lavender Blue | August 5, 2007 9:49 AM
Our pediatician shared some other interesting information with us regarding sun exposure. It seems that research has shown that moderate sun exposure reduces one's risk of multiple sclerosis. Underscoring the point, our area of the country doesn't receive much sun, and we are a "hot spot" for MS. For this reason, and because of the benefits of vitamin D (as mentioned above), our doc considers sunshine, in moderation, to be not just OK, but definitely healthy.
Posted by: Marisa | August 5, 2007 8:19 PM
From what I understand, the best way to avoid breast cancer is to have lots of kids and breastfeed them.
Posted by: ycw | August 6, 2007 8:09 AM
ycw - that's true. Also avoiding abortion.
Posted by: barbara | August 6, 2007 8:16 AM
If you're looking for a good source for Vitamin D in the wintertime or you live up North, check out Green Pasture's High Vitamin Cod Liver Oil. It's a great source of Omega-3s, vitamin A and D. Also comes in good flavors for me and my 2.5 year old, and in pill form for hubby who can't swallow "oils." (I don't profit from this endorsement, just think it's a great product and appreciate what the company offers for others' health :)
Posted by: Wendy | August 6, 2007 10:06 PM
