Sunlight exposure

According to one study, sunlight may protect against prostate cancer by promoting the body's production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin during exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. When the incidence of prostate cancer mortality was examined in white men in 3,073 counties in the United States, areas with the lowest amount of UV radiation had the highest mortality rates. Overall, deaths from prostate cancer were highest in the Northeast and lowest in the Southwest.

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In addition, a laboratory study found that physiological concentrations of the active form of vitamin D change the makeup of prostate cancer cells so that they are less likely to spread. Further studies are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplements can prevent or treat prostate cancer. Spending at least half an hour in the sunlight each day and drinking fortified milk are the best ways to get vitamin D; megadose supplements can be toxic. For those who take supplements, the recommended dosage of vitamin D is 400 to 800 IU daily.