Are Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Linked? Expert Explains

Research is still being done on the connection between vitamin D and breast cancer. Low vitamin D levels may raise the risk of breast cancer, according to some studies, although the data is not yet solid. Vitamin D is thought to have an effect on cancer formation by controlling immunological function and cell growth.

In spite of the probable contribution of vitamin D, more research is required to draw a firm conclusion, and it's crucial for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and frequent exercise, to lower their risk of breast cancer.

Low vitamin D levels may raise the risk of breast cancer, according to some studies. (Image Credit: Canva)

Here, Dr. Sushant Mittal, who is an Associate Director in Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, and Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, told Jagran English about whether vitamin D and breast cancer are linked or not.

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Dr. Sushant Mittal said, "Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," plays a vital role in calcium balance, skeletal health, and immune, cardiovascular, and reproductive system functioning. Globally, about one billion people suffer from vitamin D deficiency, linked to various health issues like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Studies consistently show that normal serum vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers, including breast, colorectal, kidney, lung, and pancreatic cancers. This correlation aligns with lower cancer rates in regions with greater sun exposure and higher vitamin D concentrations."

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in 161 countries and a top cause of cancer-related deaths in 98 countries. Established risk factors include age, family history, and genetic factors. Recent research also links vitamin D receptor (VDR) genes to breast cancer risk. Breast cancer presents different subtypes, each with its own characteristics. Vitamin D receptor genes, regulated by vitamin D, influence processes like lactation and hormone regulation in the mammary gland.

Vitamin D is thought to have an effect on cancer formation by controlling immunological function and cell growth. (Image Credit: Canva)

He further added that "researchers are keen on understanding vitamin D's role in breast cancer prevention. Adequate vitamin D levels (≥45 ng/mL) appear to protect against breast cancer, which is significant given the limitations and side effects of existing preventive drugs like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. A meta-analysis by Chen et al. showed that women with the highest circulating 25(OH)D levels had a 45% lower breast cancer risk than those with the lowest levels."

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At last, he said, "While existing evidence supports a link between vitamin D and breast cancer risk, there's a crucial need for well-designed clinical trials. These trials should delve into the association between vitamin D levels and various aspects of breast cancer, including risk, development, recurrence, and survival across different disease stages. Such research could contribute to more targeted breast cancer prevention strategies."