Until now, the only surefire way to lower your risk of pancreatic cancer was to stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight. But adding a little extra vitamin D to your diet may help as well, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
Pancreatic cancer is rare, but when it does strike, it is difficult to treat successfully. Approximately 33,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and only about 1,000 will survive this rapidly-spreading disease.
Ninety percent of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are age 55 and older, and it is more common in men than in women. Some diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis and diabetes may also increase one's risk, as well as exposure to certain chemical, such as pesticides or dyes.
Previous studies have found a possible link between processed meats, like bacon and sausage, and pancreatic cancer, but few studies have found any evidence of foods that help to reduce one's risk.
Vitamin D intake has been shown to reduce the risk of colon, breast and prostate cancer. So, researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago decided to find out if it also helps reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
"Vitamin D exhibits potent anti-tumor effects in many tissues," wrote Dr. Halcyon Skinner and colleagues.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
Click here to read the rest of the article at HealthVideo.com
