Researchers from Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital have reported study findings that suggest exposure to vitamin D during the teen years may reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life by up to 40 percent.
Vitamin D is found in low concentrations in some food, while most vitamin D is manufactured in the skin from exposure to sunlight.
The study, based on nearly 600 women diagnosed with breast cancer and over 1,100 healthy "control" women, found that sun exposure in the form of outdoor activities between the ages of 10 to 19 and 20 to 29, significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer.
There was also evidence that cod liver oil could reduce the risk by up to 25 percent, while the consumption of milk (at least nine glasses per week) was associated with a 35 percent lower risk.
While further research is needed, these latest findings add to the growing evidence that vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
Vitamin D is found in low concentrations in some food, while most vitamin D is manufactured in the skin from exposure to sunlight.
The study, based on nearly 600 women diagnosed with breast cancer and over 1,100 healthy "control" women, found that sun exposure in the form of outdoor activities between the ages of 10 to 19 and 20 to 29, significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer.
There was also evidence that cod liver oil could reduce the risk by up to 25 percent, while the consumption of milk (at least nine glasses per week) was associated with a 35 percent lower risk.
While further research is needed, these latest findings add to the growing evidence that vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
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