Higher exposure to UV radiation tied to lower risk of estrogen receptor breast cancer: Study

USA: Findings from a recent study showed that living in areas of higher residential UV (ultraviolet) is related to an 11% lower risk of developing estrogen receptor (ER)-breast cancer. The inverse association was found to be strongest for those who did not use vitamin D supplementation. Further, the researchers observed no association between UV exposure and overall or ER+ breast cancer. 

The findings of the study, published in the journal Environment International, provide support for the role of vitamin D in the etiology of ER- breast cancer. 

Due to prevalent climate change, there is an increasing ambient UV radiation. This may result in adverse health consequences such as an increased incidence of skin cancer. However, UV radiation is also a source of vitamin D that has been hypothesized to be protective against breast cancer risk.

Against the above background, Alexandra J.White, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the association between UV exposure and breast cancer risk in a large prospective U.S.-wide cohort with consideration of whether risk varies by vitamin D supplement use. Additionally, the authors considered whether associations varied by estrogen receptor status of the tumor or menopausal status.