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updated 11:39 a.m. ET Oct. 23, 2007

PORTLAND, Ore. - Researchers from Norway and Oregon Health and Science University have found that the season in which a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer may affect his survival.

The study found that men diagnosed in the summer and autumn months have a better chance of survival than if they were diagnosed in the spring and winter. The scientists say this may be linked to vitamin D that can be provided by sunlight.

Although the study was conducted in Norway, Oregonians are also susceptible to vitamin D deficiency in the winter.

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Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men outside of skin cancer.

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