Scientists Say Sunshine May Prevent Cancer
(AP, 5/24/05)

A growing number of scientific studies support the premise that sunshine helps protect against lymphoma and cancers of the colon, prostate, lung and skin. New studies weigh the evidence that too much sun may cause skin cancer against findings that ultraviolet rays in moderation may actually be protective because they enable the skin to make vitamin D. Studies indicate that vitamin D blocks tumor growth, promotes the destruction of abnormal cells and inhibits the formation of tumor-feeding blood vessels. Dr. Edward Giovannucci of Harvard extols its cancer-fighting benefits, claiming that it “might help prevent 30 deaths for each one caused by skin cancer.” Some experts now recommend 15-minute exposures a few times a week without sunblock, but determining exactly how much vitamin D is optimum and how best to get it remains problematic.