The risk factors known for breast and ovarian cancers include menopause, obesity, family history and specific genetic mutations. However, these days researchers also are looking at the role of diet in the development, treatment and prevention of these cancers.

Two groups of scientists reported a new study (on the possible preventive properties of Vitamin D and the plant substances called flavonoids against breast and ovarian cancer) at the 97th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Now, new studies by researchers at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto suggest the "sunshine" vitamin may play a significant role in reducing breast cancer risk. The results, based on population data, found the reduction was most apparent among subjects exposed to the highest levels of vitamin D when they were young.

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