Minimizing sun exposure has been a common piece of advice from dermatologists to reduce the risk of skin cancer. But recent research shows that the sun can actually help prevent cancer. Scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that the rate of pancreatic cancer is higher in parts of the world with the least and weakest sunlight. These areas are typically at higher latitudes or are predominantly cloudy, leading to a lack of ultraviolet light needed for the skin to produce essential vitamin D.
Sunlight and Vitamin D: An Essential Defense Against Cancer
Vitamin D, which is actually a nutrient-hormone, is crucial for the body in fighting off tumors. Research shows that vitamin D derived from sunlight can help combat more than a dozen different kinds of cancer. A study published in the European Journal of Cancer analyzed cancer rates worldwide and found a strong correlation between vitamin D production from sunlight and decreased likelihood of developing kidney, bladder, colorectal, stomach, liver, breast, prostate, lung, gallbladder, or pancreatic cancer.
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center researcher Cedric F. Garland explains, “If you’re living at a high latitude or in a place with a lot of heavy cloud cover, you can’t make vitamin D most of the year, which results in a higher-than-normal risk of getting pancreatic cancer. People who live in sunny countries near the equator have only one-sixth of the age-adjusted incidence rate of pancreatic cancer as those who live far from it.”
Soaking Up the Sun Safely: How to Get the Right Amount of Vitamin D
So how can you effectively improve your vitamin D levels? The key is to get the right balance of sun exposure without risking skin damage. Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB), the range of sun rays that stimulate vitamin D production, is most abundant between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It’s best to spend short, safe periods in the sun without sunscreen, which can block the beneficial UVB rays. However, it’s important to avoid sunburn, as overexposure can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Vitamin D Dietary Sources and Supplements
In addition to sunlight, some foods naturally contain vitamin D. Fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel are good sources, as are beef liver, eggs, and cheese. To ensure you are getting enough vitamin D all year round, it can be helpful to take vitamin D supplements, especially during winter months when UVB is less abundant. The bioactive form of vitamin D supplements is D3.
Organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society recommend a daily dose of 1,000 IU of vitamin D, as studies have shown it has the potential to reduce the risk of various cancers by as much as 60%. Therefore, it’s essential for dermatologists to consider the benefits of sunlight and vitamin D when providing advice on sun exposure and cancer risk. While sunburn and excessive sun exposure certainly pose risks, it’s crucial to strike the right balance to maintain optimal health.
