Health News You Can Use: Fresh Air & Sunshine Edition – Pancreatic Cancer Linked To Low Amount Of Sunlight

Pancreatic Cancer Linked To Low Amount Of Sunlight

Researchers and scientists in the United States have found an association between sunlight deficiency and the occurrence of pancreatic cancer. The rates of pancreatic cancer are highest in countries with the least amount of sunshine (due to high altitude and heavy cloud coverage). Their findings were reported in a study published in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.”

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, analyzed data from 107 countries and took national differences and possible confounders, such as alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity into account. In so doing, they found a strong inverse correlation between low amounts of sunlight and pancreatic cancer.

“People who live in sunny countries near the equator have only one-sixth of the age adjusted incidence rate of pancreatic cancer as those who live far from it. The importance of sunlight deficiency strongly suggests – but does not prove – that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to risk of pancreatic cancer,” explained lead author Cedric F. Garland.

In previous studies, the team had already shown that sufficient levels of vitamin D in the blood were associated with a lower risk of breast and colorectal cancer. High altitude or heavy cloud coverage prevents the skin from being exposed to sufficient UV-B radiation. Nutrition alone generally does not supply the body with sufficient amounts of vitamin D.