When I think of cancer, and then I think of the sun, the first association that comes to mind is BAD! Sunscreen! Moles! I have very fair freckly skin, and as such, have to be extra careful with my sunscreen application to avoid the ever-dreaded skin cancer. It’s a constant battle for me because I love being active and being outdoors. If it’s summer, I am at the beach. If it’s winter, I’m trying to go skiing. In fall and spring there’s a good chance I am taking long walks in the park or going for a hike. But now, a new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism says that the sun might not be 100% bad when it comes to cancer. (Though you definitely shouldn’t go and abandon your sunscreen tube just yet).

They found that the vitamin D we get from the sun’s rays can impact cancer patients’ survival rates, and length of time spent in remission. Those with the highest levels of Vitamin D in their bodies had the best outcomes when compared to those who didn’t have enough Vitamin D coursing through their systems. The benefit was most marked for those living with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lymphoma. Just another reason to welcome the beautiful spring weather coming our way.