I recently returned from the seventh annual American Association for Cancer Research Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Scientist-Survivor Program, held in Washington, D.C. This opportunity gave me tremendous exposure to cutting-edge research and unparalleled opportunities to meet prominent cancer researchers from around the world.

Although the meeting focused on many aspects of preventing cancer, one of the most compelling lectures I found was on vitamin D deficiency. Researchers have found evidence that links vitamin D deficiency with cancer of the prostrate, colon, breast and kidney.

It was also mentioned that most people living north of Georgia may very well suffer from vitamin D deficiency and not know it.

The reason for the deficiency is that we do not get enough exposure to sunlight, the major source of vitamin D.

Using sun screen before we go outside in the summer months and the limited exposure to sunlight during the winter months has reduced vitamin D levels of those of us who live in the northern part of the country.

The sun is a vital link in the vitamin D production because it activates a hormone on the skin that turns to vitamin D.

But we also can get vitamin D from fatty fish and fish oils.

Farm-raised fish such as salmon, however, are also vitamin D-deficient because they lack sufficient sunlight. Fortified foods such as milk and orange juice are also a good source of vitamin D.

Deb Violette

Maine chairwoman

Lung Cancer Alliance