Ultraviolet B, vitamin D, and their mechanisms in cancer prevention

Cedric F. Garland; Frank C. Garland; Edward D. Gorham; Martin Lipkin; Harold Newmark; Joseph V. Raffa; Michael F. Holick

doi:10.1117/12.452933

17 January 2002 Ultraviolet B, vitamin D, and their mechanisms in cancer prevention

Cedric F. Garland, Frank C. Garland, Edward D. Gorham, Martin Lipkin, Harold Newmark, Joseph V. Raffa, Michael F. Holick

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4482, Ultraviolet Ground- and Space-based Measurements, Models, and Effects; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.452933
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2001, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Background: Recent advances confirming the role of vitamin D in prevention of cancer have created new scientific interest. The main source of vitamin D is exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB). Factors that reduce atmospheric penetration of UVB play a role in increasing risk of cancers of the colon, breast, and other sites. Objective: To systematically review available epidemiological and laboratory studies concerning effects of UVB or vitamin D on colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer. Methods: All published research articles that identified the role of ultraviolet B, vitamin D, and its metabolites in conjunction with colon and breast cancer were ascertained and abstracts or articles were reviewed. Results: The preponderance of epidemiological and laboratory studies support the hypothesis that moderate exposures to ultraviolet B and vitamin D provide protection against colon and breast cancer, among others. The effect is present throughout life for colon cancer, but is exerted mostly during the first two decades for breast cancer. Conclusion: Latitude, climate, sulfate air pollution, stratospheric ozone, and behavioral factors combine to reduce the dermal synthesis of vitamin D to virtually zero during winter months. Populations at 37+ degrees of latitude are at markedly elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency, and, consequently, of colon, breast and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.

Citation Download Citation

Cedric F. Garland, Frank C. Garland, Edward D. Gorham, Martin Lipkin, Harold Newmark, Joseph V. Raffa, and Michael F. Holick "Ultraviolet B, vitamin D, and their mechanisms in cancer prevention", Proc. SPIE 4482, Ultraviolet Ground- and Space-based Measurements, Models, and Effects, (17 January 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.452933

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