A new research work developed in Puerto Rico determines that greater exposure to ultraviolet sun rays helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer , with vitamin D as the main factor for this.
It must be taken into account that the sun almost always shines brightly in Puerto Rico, so these findings regarding breast cancer and sun exposure are especially considerable.
Specifically, the study has been carried out by researchers from the University of Buffalo and the University of Puerto Rico. After the investigation, the authors of the same found a lower risk of breast cancer associated with greater exposure to the sun .
Exposure to the sun and vitamin D
To correctly carry out the investigation, the scientists used a meter to measure the pigmentation in the exposed skin to obtain an estimate of the habitual participation of the participants to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Vitamin DJo. L Freudenheim, a professor at the University of Buffalo, explains that “this study is unique because it was developed with Puerto Rican women, which allowed us to see this association in a population with a wide range of skin colors and with high exposure to the sun during all year”.
And it is necessary to bear in mind that exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is the main source of obtaining to increase the levels of vitamin D in the body.
Thus, this specialist in the material argues that “exposure to the sun also affects the body in many other useful ways, with effects on inflammation, obesity and circadian rhythms. While recent recommendations have been to limit sun exposure to prevent skin cancer, there may also be a benefit to sun exposure, especially exposure without sunburn. ”
Sun exposure and breast cancer
The study offered results based on different parameters. In this sense, the risk of breast cancer was lower for women who presented greater cumulative exposure to the sun.
Likewise, the risk of developing this type of cancer was also lower regardless of estrogen receptor status. A lower risk was even seen among participants with darker skin color.
One of the great benefits of sun exposure is that it helps to increase the levels of vitamin D in the body after a complex process.
In addition, experts in vitamin D , such as Professor Michael F. Holick, assure that having optimal levels of vitamin D helps reduce the risk of multiple diseases, including breast cancer. A statement that is based on evidence found in a large number of research works.
In any case, although the ultraviolet rays of the sun are beneficial to increase vitamin D, the exposure to solar radiation should be moderate, since an excess can cause damage to the skin, and even increase the risk of other type of cancer, such as skin cancer.
