The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention

Abstract

Vitamin D status differs by latitude and race, with residents of the northeastern United States and individuals with more skin pigmentation being at increased risk of deficiency. A PubMed database search yielded 63 observational studies of vitamin D status in relation to cancer risk, including 30 of colon, 13 of breast, 26 of prostate, and 7 of ovarian cancer, and several that assessed the association of vitamin D receptor genotype with cancer risk. The majority of studies found a protective relationship between sufficient vitamin D status and lower risk of cancer. The evidence suggests that efforts to improve vitamin D status, for example by vitamin D supplementation, could reduce cancer incidence and mortality at low cost, with few or no adverse effects.

Figures

FIGURE 1—

Age-adjusted colon cancer mortality rates, by county area, and contours of annual mean daily solar irradiance in Langleys (calories/cm2), United States, 1970–1994. Source. Developed through use of National Cancer Institute and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data (available at http://www3.cancer.gov/atlasplus/charts.html and http://www.noaa.gov).

FIGURE 2—

Age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates, by county area, and contours of annual mean daily solar irradiance in Langleys (calories/cm2), United States, 1970–1994. Source. Developed through use of National Cancer Institute and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data (available at http://www3.cancer.gov/atlasplus/charts.html and http://www.noaa.gov).