Researchers in London recently announced the findings of a critical study among women combating breast cancer. Their data shows that women with higher levels of vitamin D tend to be in the early stages of breast cancer while those with lower levels have a higher incidence of being in the advanced stages of breast cancer.

Dr. Carlo Palmieri of Imperial College London believes this trend to suggest, "that vitamin D has a role in the progression of breast cancer."

Although researchers are not yet sure of the exact role vitamin D plays in correlation to breast cancer, these findings only highlight the importance of vitamin D for our health. This study also confirms the findings of several studies conducted earlier this year in the US and Canada which looked at the relationship between vitamin D and cancer and showed that people with high levels of vitamin D had up to a 50% decreased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women in America. The Susan G. Komen Foundation estimates that over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2006. Early detection and treatment guarantee a greater chance of survival. New research showing the link between high vitamin D levels and early stages of breast cancer gives hope to the theory that vitamin D could help delay the progression of breast cancer, thus increasing a woman's chances of detecting the cancer early. Research has also found that vitamin D can actually stop cancer cells from dividing - the very process by which cancer spreads throughout the breast and the body.

Globally, women living in higher latitudes have a higher incidence of breast cancer. These same women also have an increased frequency of vitamin D deficiency. Since UV light rays are not strong enough at higher latitudes throughout the late fall, winter, and early spring, people living in these regions cannot naturally produce vitamin D from sunlight exposure. A diet rich in fortified dairy and orange juice, cod liver oil, and fatty fish can help supplement our body's natural ability to produce vitamin D during the winter months. However, regular moderate exposure to ultra violet light also allows the body to produce vitamin D without the risk of potential overdose associated with vitamin D supplements. Just a few minutes exposure to ultra violet light could help save your life!