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Vitamin D and breast cancer
Theresa Shao1, Paula Klein, Michael L Grossbard
1Beth Israel Medical Center, 325 West 15th Street, New York, New York 10011, USA. tshao@chpnet.org
The Oncologist
|January 12, 2012
Summary
Vitamin D may play a role in preventing breast cancer and improving outcomes, but research is ongoing. Addressing vitamin D deficiency is crucial for bone health, especially in breast cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D is known for calcium homeostasis and bone health.
- Emerging evidence suggests vitamin D possesses anticancer activities, particularly against breast cancer.
- Breast epithelial cells can locally synthesize active vitamin D, supporting its biological role in breast health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review vitamin D metabolism and mechanisms of action.
- To summarize current evidence on the relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer.
- To discuss optimal vitamin D dosing for breast cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and ecologic studies.
- Analysis of observational studies on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and breast cancer outcomes.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data on vitamin D supplementation.
Main Results:
- Preclinical and ecologic studies suggest a role for vitamin D in breast cancer prevention.
- Inverse associations observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and breast cancer incidence, recurrence, and mortality.
- Clinical trial results on vitamin D supplementation for breast cancer have been inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is common and impacts bone health, a concern for breast cancer survivors.
- Further research is needed to clarify vitamin D's role in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
- Understanding vitamin D physiology and treating deficiency is important for overall health and potentially for breast cancer management.
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