Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Vitamin D for cancer prevention: global perspective
Cedric F Garland1, Edward D Gorham, Sharif B Mohr
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Annals of Epidemiology
|June 16, 2009
Summary
Higher vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels are linked to lower cancer incidence and mortality. Increasing vitamin D intake could prevent thousands of cancer cases and deaths annually in the US and Canada.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels correlate with reduced incidence of various cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate.
- Emerging mechanisms highlight the role of vitamin D metabolites and calcium in cancer etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new model of cancer etiology (DINOMIT) incorporating vitamin D and calcium.
- To project the impact of increased serum 25(OH)D levels on cancer prevention and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological findings and newly discovered mechanisms of vitamin D action.
- Application of a seven-phase cancer etiology model (DINOMIT).
- Analysis of observational studies and a randomized trial to project population-level effects.
Main Results:
- Raising serum 25(OH)D to 40-60 ng/mL could prevent ~58,000 breast and 49,000 colorectal cancer cases annually in the US and Canada.
- This increase may also prevent three-fourths of deaths from these cancers and halve case-fatality rates for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
- Recommended intake of 2000 IU/day of vitamin D3 is associated with no unreasonable risks.
Conclusions:
- Nationally coordinated efforts to increase vitamin D and calcium intake are warranted.
- Achieving target serum 25(OH)D levels can significantly reduce cancer burden.
- Vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective for cancer prevention and improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...