First-of-its-Kind Study Proves that Sunshine Lowers Cancer Risk
According to a recently completed 9-year study of 450,000 subjects, those exposed to more sunlight had a significantly lower risk of many types of cancer. 
This prospective study (in which participants are actively observed for the duration of the study) was the first of its kind to look at the link between sunlight, vitamin D and cancer. The research was conducted by Dr. S.W. Lin and published in April, 2012 in the journal Cancer.
Study participants ranged in age from 50-71 years old, and were of white, non-Hispanic ethnicity. Subjects came from California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, and the metropolitan areas of Atlanta and Detroit.
The researchers adjusted for and eliminated the impact of other known risk factors for cancer–such as smoking, body mass index, and physical activity.Natural News reported details from the study:
A total of 75,000 participants in the study contracted cancer. The study found that 12 types of cancer were reduced in those subjects exposed to more sunlight. These included cancers of the lungs, prostate, pancreas, colon, thyroid and many other types.
As expected melanoma and other skin cancers occurred more often in the participants exposed to more sunlight which in turn is vitamin D and cancer. The incidence of cancers of female organs including the ovaries, breast, and uterus were not reduced in this study, possibly because men spend more time outdoors than women.
This confirmed a previous study that showed a decreased incidence of cancer in men but not women in relation to sun exposure.
Experts speculate that sunlight protects the body against cancer by stimulating production of vitamin D. In that (healthy) light, this new research underscores what we already know about the link between vitamin D and cancer protection.
The results of this study also seem to confirm the advice of many health experts who now question the routine use of sunscreens, especially chemical sunscreens. “Sunscreen should be used to prevent sunburn during prolonged exposure to bright sun at midday. Otherwise sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation promote health,” says Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD.
Dr. Neustaedter points out that in certain regions or at certain times and times when sun exposure is hard to get, adequate vitamin D supplementation can benefit the immune system…promote bone growth…prevent cardiovascular disease…and reduce the incidence of cancer.
