Insufficient exposure to ultraviolet radiation may be an important risk factor for cancer in Western Europe and North America, according to a new study published in the prominent Cancer journal that directly contradicts official advice about sunlight.
The research examined cancer mortality in the United States. Deaths from a range of cancers of the reproductive and digestive systems were approximately twice as high in New England as in the southwest, despite a diet that varies little between regions.
An examination of 506 regions found a close inverse correlation between cancer mortality and levels of ultraviolet B light. The likeliest mechanism for a protective effect of sunlight is vitamin D, which is synthesized by the body in the presence of ultraviolet B.
The study’s author, Dr William Grant says northern parts of the United States may be dark enough in winter that vitamin D synthesis shuts down completely.
While the study focused on white Americans, the same geographical trend affects black Americans, whose overall cancer rates are significantly higher. Darker skinned people require more sunlight to synthesize vitamin D.
There are 13 malignancies that show this inverse correlation, mostly reproductive and digestive cancers. The strongest inverse correlation is with breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.
Other cancers apparently affected by sunlight include tumors of the bladder, uterus, esophagus, rectum, and stomach.
Cancer March 2002; 94:1867-75
While it’s important not to get too much exposure to sunlight, use of sunblocks and avoidance of sunlight is very dangerous indeed. The chemicals in sunblocks are themselves toxic. The lack of vitamin D production puts us at great risk.
Adjust your diet to restore balance of the omega-6 vs omega-3 essential fatty acids. Fish oils can help greatly in this. The proper balance of fats greatly reduces risk of skin cancers from sun exposure.
Use common sense in dealing with the sun. At the beginning of the season, limit exposure to perhaps 10 to 15 minutes and work up gradually. Utilize clothing and shade in order to avoid actual burning, and exercise caution when going in the sun at midday. Use a good, 100% natural moisturizer where needed. But do get out there and enjoy the sun!