eileen

Published: June 12, 2008 09:41 am
A New Debate:Sunlight, Vitamin D, and Breast Cancer
By Wendi Green-Food for Thought

There is a new debate looming in the medical community that has made the front page of newspapers and the evening news - using sunscreen increases a woman’s chances of breast cancer, while this may be sensational, it may be misleading.

A new study suggests that breast cancer patients with low levels of vitamin D are much more likely to die of the disease or have it spread than patients who are getting enough of the nutrient, adding to evidence that the “sunshine vitamin” has anti-cancer benefits.

You see, your skin can make vitamin D from ultraviolet (UV) light, but this same light can also cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Cancer Council want to remind you to wear products sold in stores with SPF built into them, such as lip balm, make-up and lotions. a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 15 or more on areas exposed to the sun to prevent skin cancer. It is also important to continue to reapply the sunscreen throughout the day.

It only takes about 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week of being in the sun to make enough vitamin D. Having your body make vitamin D is only one way to get the recommended amount of the vitamin, which is crucial for healthy bones and preventing certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. The National Academies of Sciences currently recommend 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D for children and adults up to the age of 50, and 400 to 600 IU for adults older than 50 years of age.

Some foods contain vitamin D, including fatty fish such as salmon, fortified milk, cheese, fortified breakfast cereals and yogurt. Sunlight is only one source of vitamin D. Just a small amount of sunlight - not a suntan - is needed to meet the body’s daily recommended requirement for vitamin D. Sunscreens do no not contribute to vitamin D deficiency because regular sunscreen use does not eliminate sun exposure.

At this time, it is too early to suggest that vitamin D deficiency increases cancer risk. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Cancer Council encourage you to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels. He or she may recommend taking a daily supplement of vitamin D.

Source: Courtney J. Schoessow, MPH, Extension Program Specialist - Texas AgriLife Extension Service
http://www.mexiadailynews.com/local/...164094137.html

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"under exposure to UV rays is as dangerous as overexposure....this is D life" eileen