Spending time in the sun ‘slashes cancer risk by half and boosts vitamin D levels’
The National Cancer Centre in Tokyo, Japan, studies show those exposed to an increase in the vitamin D levels from sunshine had a lower risk of total cancer
SPENDING time in the sun slashes cancer risk by up to half, a study claims.
It is the best source of vitamin D, and scientists found adults with the highest levels saw their chances of liver cancer drop by 55 per cent.
For prostrate cancer the fall was 36 per cent and for breast cancer 22 per cent.
The dangers of sun exposure causing skin cancer are well documented — but this suggests being too sun safe may have its own risks.
Experts say 15 minutes of sunshine a day can top up vitamin D stocks, and urge Brits with low levels to use supplements.
Vitamin D is also found in eggs, fortified cereals and oily fish.
The Japanese study, in the journal BMJ, followed 34,000 adults for 16 years.
They concluded: “Higher vitamin D concentration was associated with lower risk of total cancer.
“These findings support the hypothesis that vitamin D has protective effects against cancers at many sites.”
Sophia Lowes, of Cancer Research UK, said the results for Asian populations might not be the same for everyone.
Most read in health news
She added: “It’s not clear if being deficient just reflects poor general health.”
Dr Christian Aldridge, from Melanoma UK, said: “The findings appear to show a protective benefit in overall cancer in both men and women in those patients with higher Vitamin D levels.”
He said exposing our hands and face to up to 15 minutes of daily sunshine should be enough to top up our stores.
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected].