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NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA. There is ample evidence that lack of sun exposure increases the risk of
many types of cancer. The mortality rates for breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer,
and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are twice as high in the northeastern part of the US as in the southwest. Dr.
William Grant, PhD, an independent American researcher, now reports additional evidence indicating the
eight more cancers are associated with lack of exposure to UV-B radiation (sunshine!). Dr. Grant found a
clear inverse correlation between UV-B exposure and mortality from bladder, kidney, lung, pancreatic,
stomach, rectal, esophageal cancers and cancer of the corpus uteri. He estimates that over 21,000 white
Americans, 1400 African Americans, and 500 people from Asian and other minorities die prematurely every
year from cancer because they don't get enough sunshine.
Dr. Grant and most other researchers in the field believe that the lack of sun exposure leads to a vitamin D
deficiency, which is known to be implicated in the progression of many cancers. Vitamin D is formed in the
skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D formation is totally inhibited by sunscreens and most clothing.
Dr. Grant points out that winter time UV-B levels in Boston are insufficient to promote vitamin D synthesis in
the skin. He advocates prudent sun exposure when it is available and vitamin D supplementation when it is
not.
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