Final answer:
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin in response to UVB radiation from sunlight and helps prevent the development of certain cancers and bone disorders. It should ideally be obtained through safe sun exposure or dietary sources, with the use of sunscreen as necessary to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vitamin that is created in the body by exposure to sunlight and fights against the development of breast, colon, and prostate cancer is Vitamin D. When ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight reaches the skin, it allows for the synthesis of Vitamin D, particularly in the epidermal layer. Adequate levels of Vitamin D in the body can prevent various cancers and bone disorders such as rickets and osteoporosis. It's recommended to obtain this vitamin through sunlight exposure for about 10 minutes a day to arms, face, and legs, or through foods and nutritional supplements, especially during the winter or in regions with little UVB reach.
It's important to balance sun exposure with the risk of skin cancer by using sunscreen, particularly because UVB radiation can also increase this risk. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can prevent damage from free radicals, which are also a product of environmental factors like radiation. However, these vitamins work differently from Vitamin D and its role in cancer prevention and bone health.